The co-founder of Wikipedia, Larry Sanger, has criticized the popular online encyclopedia for its left-wing bias and alleged influence from U.S. intelligence services. In an interview with journalist Glenn Greenwald, Sanger stated that many editors take their cues from mainstream media outlets like CNN, MSNBC, and The New York Times. He also noted that around 80% of major right-wing news sources have been deemed unreliable according to Wikipedia’s policy, which affects the content and tone of the articles.
Sanger further claimed that the political left and establishment actively seek to control Wikipedia, with the CIA and FBI being involved in editing its articles. He suggested that intelligence agencies use online platforms like Wikipedia for information warfare and pay influential individuals or develop their own talent within the community to shape the narratives presented. Furthermore, Sanger criticized Wikipedia’s adoption of a scientistic point of view, particularly regarding controversial issues in science such as global warming and certain drugs.
The interview highlighted examples of Wikipedia’s bias, including its treatment of the Ukraine-Biden scandal and coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Greenwald pointed out that Wikipedia displays a clear bias by branding the Ukraine-Biden scandal as a conspiracy theory and aligning with the establishment and Dr. Fauci’s viewpoints on COVID-19.
Sanger also discussed the role of Google in promoting biased Wikipedia content. He noted that Google has donated large sums of money to Wikipedia and frequently pushes its articles, potentially shaping public perceptions. Entrepreneur Elon Musk chimed in on Twitter, expressing concern about Wikipedia’s bias and suggesting that legacy media organizations exist to provide official media citations that support politically biased Wikipedia pages.
Sanger’s criticisms stem from his growing disillusionment with Wikipedia’s trajectory over the years. In response, he launched Encyclosphere, a free speech alternative to Wikipedia, in an effort to combat what he perceives as left-wing propaganda present on the platform.