Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger, a longtime critic of the platform he helped create, has highlighted the site’s growing ideological bias and its significant influence on the dissemination of knowledge. In an interview with Ashley Rindsberg, Sanger outlined the ‘Nine Theses,’ a series of essays identifying the major issues that characterize what he calls the ‘Wikipedia Crisis.’
Sanger argues that Wikipedia has become the ‘essential infrastructure’ of online knowledge, with information sourced from mainstream media flowing into major digital platforms such as Google, ChatGPT, and even Alexa and Siri. He warns that this shift has serious implications, as the information presented by Wikipedia now shapes public perception and understanding of critical issues across multiple domains.
One of the core problems highlighted by Sanger is the platform’s consensus model. He criticizes how Wikipedia’s ‘consensus’ is often used to represent a narrow viewpoint, which he calls the ‘GASP’ framework. This framework, he says, reflects the views of the Western ruling class and includes a Globalist, Academic, Secular, and Progressive perspective. Sanger argues that this model excludes diverse viewpoints, particularly those that are conservative, and results in a one-sided representation of reality.
Additionally, Sanger points to the use of source blacklists within Wikipedia, which he believes is a system of control that disproportionately favors a select group of media outlets. He cites examples of how certain sources, such as OpIndia, are effectively barred from being used as credible sources, while outlets like Al Jazeera and China Daily are given different classifications based on their perceived reliability. He argues that this system undermines the neutrality of Wikipedia and reinforces a biased narrative.
Sanger also raises concerns about the anonymity of key administrators on Wikipedia. He highlights that a significant percentage of the most powerful accounts on the platform are anonymous, which could contribute to a lack of accountability and transparency in decision-making. With such a high level of anonymity, he suggests that the platform’s governance may be influenced by a small group of influential users rather than a broad range of contributors.
In response to these issues, Sanger advocates for a reform of Wikipedia’s governance and editorial processes. He calls for transparency in the selection of reliable sources and the elimination of ideological biases in the platform’s content. Sanger emphasizes that these changes are essential to restoring Wikipedia’s role as an impartial source of information and ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented accurately.