The year 2020 was one of mis- and disinformation on public health issues, and on the COVID-19 pandemic in particular.

Wikipedia Foundation chief of staff Ryan Merkley shared his view on how to fight against mis- and disinformation to ensure everyone has access to trusted and reliable information about COVID-19. The following article is an excerpt of the interview.

The Global Survey has shown that the majority of people around the world (70 percent) are worried about false and misleading information, especially delivered via social media platforms and unauthorized websites and other online sources. How do you take on this issue?

Mis- and disinformation can spread quickly on digital platforms. At the Wikipedia Foundation, we realize that disinformation on one platform can have far-reaching effects across the broader web. It does not occur in a vacuum. When a government, corporation or other organized special interest launches a disinformation campaign, this challenges our whole information ecosystem.

At the same time, we think there is a lot that individuals can learn from Wikipedia’s model when it comes to being critical consumers of information online. When our volunteers edit articles, they evaluate whether claims are backed up by sources, and whether those sources are trustworthy and reliable. Even if you don’t edit Wikipedia, you can apply the same principles when scrolling through a social media newsfeed or a group chat with friends and family.

How does Wikipedia address false claims and conspiracy theories about COVID-19?

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