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.

Leona Whitcombe

Reliability Benchmarks: Comparing Wikipedia to Academic Reference Works

Wikipedia matches academic encyclopedias in accuracy for science topics, but each serves a different purpose. Learn when to use each source for research, and why the best approach combines both.

Leona Whitcombe

Retention Strategies: Mentorship, Teahouse, and Growth Features on Wikipedia

Wikipedia’s shrinking editor base is being reversed through mentorship, the Teahouse chat space, and growth features that guide newcomers. These human-centered tools are slowly changing who edits Wikipedia-and keeping more people around.

Leona Whitcombe

How to Communicate Admin Actions Clearly on Wikipedia

Clear communication from Wikipedia admins reduces conflict, builds trust, and keeps contributors engaged. Learn how to explain deletions, blocks, and edits using policy references, plain language, and personalized messages.

Leona Whitcombe

Foundation Budget Breakdown: How Wikipedia’s Spending Priorities Shape Its Tools

The Wikimedia Foundation's budget funds the tools that keep Wikipedia running - from mobile apps to AI-assisted editing. See where the money goes and how it shapes what you see every time you search.

Leona Whitcombe

Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees Elections 2025 Overview

The 2025 Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees elections determine who will guide Wikipedia's future. With global participation rising and AI ethics at stake, every vote shapes whether knowledge stays open and equitable.

Leona Whitcombe

Wikipedia Is Not a News Organization: Understanding the Philosophical Differences

Wikipedia isn't a news outlet - it doesn't break stories or chase deadlines. It waits for verified sources before updating, making it a reference tool, not a live feed. Understanding this difference helps you use it correctly.

Leona Whitcombe

Open Data Practices: Sharing Wikipedia Research Datasets and Code

Learn how to responsibly share Wikipedia research datasets and code using open data practices. Discover tools, common mistakes, and real-world examples that make research reproducible and trustworthy.

Leona Whitcombe

Wikipedia Editor Behavior Standards and Civility Requirements

Wikipedia's civility standards ensure collaborative editing by requiring editors to remain respectful, assume good faith, and resolve conflicts through policy-driven processes rather than personal attacks.

Leona Whitcombe

CheckUser Workflow on Wikipedia: How Editors Detect Vandalism with Data Limits

CheckUser is a critical but limited tool used by trusted Wikipedia editors to detect coordinated vandalism by linking accounts through technical data. It doesn't reveal identities but helps stop repeat offenders by uncovering hidden connections behind edits.

Leona Whitcombe

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism When Using Wikipedia

Using Wikipedia in academic work can lead to plagiarism if you cite it directly or paraphrase without attribution. Learn how to use it responsibly as a research tool-not a source-and how to find credible alternatives for your papers.

Leona Whitcombe

Getting Started on Toolforge for Wikipedia Bot Development

Learn how to build and deploy Wikipedia bots using Toolforge - a free, community-run platform for automated editing. Start with Python and Pywikibot, get approved, and run your bot 24/7.

Leona Whitcombe

How Reliable Sources Noticeboard on Wikipedia Works: A Guide to Source Discussions

The Reliable Sources Noticeboard on Wikipedia helps editors decide which sources are trustworthy for articles. It’s not about opinions - it’s about policy, evidence, and consistent standards. Learn how discussions work and what makes a source acceptable.