The Delhi High Court on Friday raised concerns about the operational model of Wikipedia, highlighting the potential dangers of its open-editing feature. During a defamation lawsuit hearing filed by Asian News International (ANI) against the online encyclopedia, Justice Subramonium Prasad questioned the reliability of a platform where “anybody can edit a page.”
The case stems from accusations by ANI that defamatory content had been added to its Wikipedia page, labeling it as a “propaganda tool” for the current government. This content, according to ANI, has damaged its reputation. In response, the court previously summoned Wikipedia to disclose the identities of the individuals responsible for the edits. The Wikimedia Foundation has since appealed the order, bringing the issue before a Division Bench.
During the hearing, Wikipedia’s counsel, Senior Advocate Jayant Mehta, defended the platform’s policies, asserting that while anyone can contribute, all information must be properly sourced and adhere to Wikipedia’s strict editorial standards. “It’s not social media. It is an encyclopedia where information, deemed worthy, is added and then open for editing,” Mehta explained.
Justice Prasad appeared skeptical of the assurances provided, particularly regarding the protection against misuse. He expressed concern over the ease with which one’s public image could be tarnished through unfounded edits. “What if it’s my name, and anybody can abuse me on my page or give false information regarding me?” Justice Prasad remarked, highlighting a personal vulnerability to defamation.
ANI’s counsel, Advocate Sidhant Kumar, described the Wikipedia page as an “aggregator of defamation,” suggesting that the page has compiled significant defamatory statements against ANI, presented as factual information.
The court has yet to make a decision on ANI’s application for the removal of the page but has asked both parties to submit detailed notes on their positions by this evening. The matter has been adjourned until October 28, pending further submissions.
