Elon Musk, the owner of the social network X, is known for advocating freedom of expression. Recently, he stirred up controversy by criticizing Wikipedia for including a reference to a controversial gesture he made during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Jimmy Wales, the creator of Wikipedia, was not daunted by Musk’s accusations and reiterated the platform’s commitment to neutrality and fact-checking.
Musk’s dispute with Wikipedia
Musk’s action, which sparked extensive discussions in the US and around the world, was added to the online encyclopedia last Wednesday. Wikipedia described the gesture as potentially resembling a Nazi salute, a view contested by Musk.
The entrepreneur claimed that the platform was spreading the same messages as traditional media and urged his supporters to refrain from funding the encyclopedia.
Jimmy Wales directly replied to Musk at X, stating, “Facts, not propaganda.” In a bold manner, he also noted that “Elon is displeased that Wikipedia is not available for purchase,” alluding to the unsuccessful attempt by the billionaire to acquire X in 2022 for $44 billion.
Idealism on Wikipedia in a divided environment
Wikipedia, established in 2001, is a non-profit platform managed by the Wikimedia Foundation, distinguishing it from tech giants such as Google and Meta. It aims to provide a neutral environment for global internet users to work together in producing content accessible in over 300 languages.
Jimmy Wales emphasized the significance of Wikipedia as a contrasting source amid increasing distrust in journalism and politics, noting the significant decline in trust in these fields which can lead to feelings of anger and confusion.
Social media content moderation X
Musk’s acquisition of Twitter and its renaming to X has led to a significant shift in content moderation. Traditional teams have been substituted with the “community notes” approach, where users provide context or rectify information in posts.
Musk argues that these modifications support freedom of speech, but experts caution that the platform has become a fertile environment for spreading misinformation.
Musk aims to change the purpose of his social platform, while Jimmy Wales confirms Wikipedia’s dedication to neutrality and verified information, emphasizing that the internet’s original idealism remains relevant amid growing divisions.