Wikipedia faces new attacks from conservative critics, states E&P
Wikipedia, long heralded as the world’s largest online encyclopedia, is facing “a steady stream of attacks from right-leaning figures and institutions who claim the site exhibits liberal bias and suppresses conservative viewpoints,” reports Editor & Publisher.
E&P adds that tech billionaire Elon Musk,”who has become a powerful driver of President Donald Trump’s agenda, and other right-wing commentators have increased their criticisms in recent months, raising concerns about threats to the organization and its volunteer editors.
“In January 2025, Elon Musk escalated a long-running feud with the platform by calling on users of X, the social media company he owns, to withdraw support from Wikipedia. “Defund Wikipedia until balance is restored,” Musk wrote in a post.
“The renewed focus on the encyclopedic site has raised concerns about whether Wikipedia, built on a community of some 260,000 volunteer writers and editors, can withstand increasing political scrutiny.”
According to E&P, Wikimedia Foundation attorney Phil Bradley-Schmieg said the nonprofit organization is developing tools to roll out later this year to help contributors remain anonymous to avoid harassment.
