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

How The Signpost Documents Wikipedia's Most Controversial Debates

The Signpost is Wikipedia’s only independent newspaper, documenting the heated debates, policy battles, and community conflicts that shape what appears in the encyclopedia. It’s not just news-it’s the archive of how truth is negotiated.

Leona Whitcombe

AI-Driven Personalization: Ethical Reader Experiences on Wikipedia

AI-driven personalization on Wikipedia threatens its core promise of neutral, universal knowledge. Learn how personalized content risks fragmentation, bias, and loss of trust-and what ethical alternatives exist.

Leona Whitcombe

Deletionism vs. Inclusionism on Wikipedia: How the Site Decides What Stays and What Goes

Wikipedia's deletionism and inclusionism debate shapes what knowledge survives online. Who decides what's notable? And who gets left out? This is how the battle over Wikipedia's soul plays out.

Leona Whitcombe

AI Answer Engines That Summarize Wikipedia vs Linking to Articles

AI answer engines summarize Wikipedia for quick answers, but they strip away context, citations, and debate. Linking to the original preserves transparency and helps you think critically about knowledge.

Leona Whitcombe

Understanding Wikipedia's Verifiable Sources Requirement for News Stories

Wikipedia doesn't publish breaking news unless it's backed by reliable, independent sources. Learn how verifiable sources keep Wikipedia accurate and why this standard matters for readers and journalists alike.

Leona Whitcombe

Wikipedia Admins: The Volunteer Moderators Who Keep the Site Running

Wikipedia admins are unpaid volunteers who enforce rules, block vandals, and resolve disputes on the world’s largest encyclopedia. They’re not paid, not famous, but essential to keeping the site alive.

Leona Whitcombe

Photojournalism and Wikipedia: How Visual Stories Power Commons Sourcing

Photojournalism and Wikipedia Commons work together to create a free, global archive of real visual stories. Learn how ethical sourcing, licensing, and context turn photographs into lasting historical records.

Leona Whitcombe

How Wikipedia Bridges Educational Access Gaps Around the World

Wikipedia provides free, accessible education to millions worldwide, especially in regions with limited schools or textbooks. Its multilingual content and open editing model help bridge learning gaps where traditional systems fail.

Leona Whitcombe

How Wikipedia Bridges Educational Access Gaps Around the World

Wikipedia provides free, offline-accessible education to millions in underserved regions, filling gaps where schools lack resources. It supports learning in over 300 languages and empowers students globally without paywalls.

Leona Whitcombe

Wikipedia Community Demographics: What the 2022 Survey Really Shows

The 2022 Wikipedia Community Survey reveals who really edits Wikipedia: mostly young men from wealthy countries, with women and Global South contributors underrepresented. The data shows systemic barriers to inclusion - not a lack of interest.

Leona Whitcombe

Best Transliteration and Romanization Tools for Wikipedia Editors

Transliteration and romanization tools help Wikipedia editors accurately convert names and terms from non-Latin scripts into English. Learn which standards to use, which tools to trust, and how to avoid common mistakes that misrepresent global cultures.

Leona Whitcombe

Building Wikipedia Literacy: Teaching Students to Be Critical Consumers

Teach students to use Wikipedia as a starting point-not a final source. Learn how to check citations, read edit histories, and trace claims back to reliable sources to build real research skills.