Submissions:2021/Non-English Editions of Wikipedia Have a Misinformation Problem

This submission has been noted and is pending review for WikiConference North America 2021.

Etherpad

Title:

Non-English Editions of Wikipedia Have a Misinformation Problem

Theme:

Global & Local

Type of session:

Presentation

Abstract:

The Japanese Wikipedia is the most visited language in Wikipedia after the English Wikipedia. Yet, the accuracy of the site has been rarely discussed or studied. In the course of investigation I've learned that Japanese ultra-nationalists have been controlling the Wikipedia community for many years. Their aim is to whitewash war crimes committed by the Japanese military during WWII and spread a xenophobic and racist worldview.

A similar trend exists in other languages, such as Croatian Wikipedia. It has received attention from international media for promoting a fascist worldview and historical revisionism. Certain language versions of Wikipedia, such as Croatian and Japanese, are more vulnerable to being exploited by illiberal networks.

In this presentation I'll discuss the misinformation and disinformation problem on non-English versions of Wikipedia and offer a possible solution.

Academic Peer Review option:

No

Author name:

Yumiko Sato

E-mail address:

yumi.aomorigmail.com

Wikimedia username:

Affiliated organization(s):

Estimated time:

30 minutes

Special requests:

Have you presented on this topic previously? If yes, where/when?:

I've presented a similar topic at conferences for UX designers, such as Interaction 21.

If your submission is not accepted, would you be open to presenting your topic in another part of the program? (e.g. lightning talk or unconference session)

I don't know.