How does Wikipedia stop false information from being posted?

Question

How does Wikipedia stop false information from being posted?

Answer 1

We Wikipedians frequently "patrol" pages and give them a once-over - and if we see something that is obviously vandalism or false (e.g. Gerald Ford being alive) we will revert these edits by changing them (using our User privileges). We also can use programmes that can be downloaded and used (only with a certain edit count) to combat vandalism seconds after it happens. However, nothing can be done to stop people from posting these bad things, but we Wikipedians strive to make sure that such stupidities are removed quickly and efficiently and we remove the vandalism as fast as we can



Hope this has helped,



S.O.

Answer 2

It doesn't. The good thing about Wikipedia is that anyone can change information, so really the users are the editors. But this only really covers a large percentage of cases the rest is handled by the Wikipedia team.



HTH

Answer 3

It's the contributors themselves who patrol and monitor changes to make sure that bad or misleading information is not posted.



Some will, by accident, post information that is incorrect or unsubstantiated but will be noted others and updated or removed.



Those who are malicious about it tend to loose their access and have all changes reverted.

Answer 4

I read where someone had to go thru all sorts of mechanics to find out who posted false info about him on wikipedia and get it taken down. And the false poster was terrified of being sued also. I forget the name now..found the story on the net by accident..

Answer 5

Well, it bans IP addresses that frequently vandalise, but there is nothing in place to check information as being true. Wikipedia works on the faith that people are generally good, and that when someone posts false information, those good natured people will correct it.

Answer 6

There are "volunteers" who help to "police" the content. Also, anyone can report false info or place a "challenge" on the discussion page. Be sure to provide your "supporting info" when you claim that something is false, tho.



Recent changes are now helping to limit "contributions" by anyone.

Answer 7

it doesn't - false information is posted all the time.



but in theory it's also soon corrected - the site works by the idea of 'peer review'



wikipedia has many flaws and inaccuracies, so don't believe everything you read there. it's a good place to *start* researching a topic, but it should't be the *last* place you look.

Answer 8

perhaps they analyze what type of information is given.

wikipedia wouldnt have been such a success if all the infrmation given there was false, then again, i could be wrong...

Answer 9

well, wikipedia itself very seldom corrects innacuracies in it's litterature. Finding the faults in the Wiki databases is most often left to the users, thats why there are all those hyperlinks everywhere that say "edit"

Answer 10

They really can't. But they do check their articles often for "vandalism". I think they can some how lock articles if they anticipate possible "vandalism".



Overall, I think it's a good source, but you need to verify information from it.

Answer 11

I don't think they do anymore because no every loser can go and edit wikipedia pages before it wasn't like that

Answer 12

it doesn't, but moderators constantly check each change for validity. if something suspicious is found, the admin reports the article into the list of possible deletes. then more admins review the content, and see whether it should be deleted

Answer 13

I doesn't, really. But all articles are closely monitored by the public and anyone can dispute facts on any article.

Answer 14

its smart

Answer 15

hmmm, i have wondered that as well...

Answer 16

It doesn't.