Wikipedia launches ‘code of conduct’ to stem misinformation and combat site abuses

In order to stem misinformation, abuse, and manipulation, Wikipedia released a “universal code of conduct”. Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit that administers Wikipedia, unveiled the new code on Tuesday to combat “negative behavior” on the global online encyclopedia, which is managed largely by volunteers using “crowdsourced” information.

“Our new universal code of conduct was developed for the new internet era, on the premise that we want our contributor communities to be positive, safe and healthy environments for everyone involved,” said Katherine Maher, chief executive of the foundation, AFP reported. 

“This code will be a binding document for anyone that participates in our projects providing a consistent enforcement process for dealing with harassment, abuse of power and deliberate attempts to manipulate facts,” she added.

As many as 1,500 Wikipedia volunteers representing five continents and 30 languages gave in their inputs for the new code. This includes definitions of harassment and unacceptable behavior.