WHO and Wikipedia Partner to Prevent Spread of False Information About COVID-19 -- Occupational Health & Safety

WHO and Wikipedia Partner to Prevent Spread of False Information About COVID-19

Wikipedia, the frequently used online encyclopedia will work with the WHO to provide verified information about coronavirus.

By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
Nov 03, 2020

Wikipedia and the World Health Organization announced a collaboration intended to stop the spread of false information about COVID-19 on October 22, according to the New York Times.

The WHO will allow Wikipedia to use information, graphics and videos for free. As part of the partnership, a large chunk of the WHO’s material will enter Wikimedia's commons, which means that no permission will be required to reproduce it.

“Equitable access to trusted health information is critical to keeping people safe and informed,” said WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Another aspect of this collaboration, which is the first between Wikipedia and a health agency, is that info from WHO will be published in 175 languages through Wikipedia instead of the usual six languages.

This could lead to an expansion to include correction of misinformation on diseases like Ebola and AIDS.

About the Author

Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.

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