Wikipedia News Desk
When you think of Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia built by volunteers around the world. Also known as the world’s largest crowd-sourced reference, it’s not just a static site—it’s a living project shaped by thousands of editors, policy debates, and tech updates every week. Behind the scenes, the Wikimedia movement, the global network of volunteers, chapters, and organizations supporting Wikipedia is constantly adjusting rules, tools, and priorities. From new anti-vandalism bots to changes in how edits are reviewed, these shifts affect every article you read.
Editor trends are shifting too. Fewer people are joining as regular contributors, while more focus is going into fixing bias, improving citations, and fighting misinformation. Meanwhile, events like Wikimania, the annual global gathering of Wikipedia editors and developers reveal what’s next—whether it’s better mobile tools, AI-assisted editing, or new ways to involve non-English communities.
Here, you’ll find clear, no-nonsense updates on what’s actually changing on Wikipedia—not rumors, not hype. Just what’s happening, why it matters, and who’s driving it.
Using EventStreams and RecentChanges for Real-Time Wikipedia Studies
Learn how to use Wikipedia's EventStreams and RecentChanges APIs to track live edits, spot misinformation, and study how knowledge evolves in real time-with practical examples and code.
Legal and Ethical Risks of Copying Wikipedia Text in News Articles
Copying Wikipedia text into news articles may seem harmless, but it carries real legal and ethical risks. Journalists who do this risk copyright violations, loss of credibility, and even lawsuits. Here's how to use Wikipedia safely-and why you shouldn't treat it as a source.
Wikimedia Office Actions vs. Community Sanctions on Wikipedia
Wikipedia's governance relies on two systems: volunteer-driven community sanctions and top-down Wikimedia Foundation office actions. This article explores how they interact, clash, and sometimes save each other.
How MediaWiki Deployment Train Delivers Weekly Updates to Wikipedia
The MediaWiki deployment train is a weekly system that safely delivers updates to Wikipedia, ensuring stability for over a billion users. Every Wednesday, tested code rolls out across all Wikimedia sites-keeping edits, templates, and tools working without disruption.
Retention Experiments on Wikipedia: What Has Worked
Wikipedia's editor retention crisis isn't about technology-it's about humanity. Simple changes like personalized welcomes, mentorship, and reducing hostile feedback have proven to dramatically increase how many volunteers stay and contribute.
How WikiProjects Coordinate Topic-Specific Editing on Wikipedia
WikiProjects are volunteer-led groups on Wikipedia that coordinate editing around specific topics. They improve article quality through consensus, assessment tools, and shared guidelines - without top-down control.
Why Opinion Columns Are Not Reliable Sources for Wikipedia Articles
Wikipedia relies on verifiable facts, not opinions. Opinion columns, even from respected journalists, are not reliable sources because they express personal views instead of documented evidence. Learn why editorials, columns, and commentary are excluded from Wikipedia citations - and what sources to use instead.
Feature Profiles: Influential Wikipedians and Their Editing Work
Discover the real people behind Wikipedia’s most trusted articles - the influential editors who verify facts, challenge misinformation, and shape global knowledge one edit at a time.
Recent NPOV Disputes on Wikipedia and How They Were Resolved
Recent NPOV disputes on Wikipedia show how neutrality is maintained through source-based consensus, mediation, and policy-not votes or power. Learn how high-profile conflicts over climate change, war narratives, and historical figures were resolved.
How to Evaluate Source Reliability for Wikipedia Citations
Learn how to evaluate source reliability for Wikipedia citations by checking publication status, independence, and verifiability. Avoid blogs and press releases-use peer-reviewed journals, major newspapers, and official reports instead.
Notability for Organizations on Wikipedia: Criteria and Real-World Examples
Wikipedia doesn't judge organizations by their size or mission - only by independent media coverage. Learn the exact criteria and real examples of what gets approved - and what gets deleted.
Starting a New WikiProject: Step-by-Step Process and Proven Best Practices
Starting a new WikiProject on Wikipedia requires clear goals, targeted recruitment, and consistent tracking. Learn how to identify coverage gaps, build a project page, recruit editors, and sustain momentum without burnout.
