Report Accuses Wikipedia Editors of Coordinated Anti-Israel Disinformation Campaign
A newly released report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) alleges that at least 30 Wikipedia editors have orchestrated a sustained campaign to introduce what the ADL calls “antisemitic narratives, anti-Israel bias, and misleading information” onto the platform, violating Wikipedia’s rules.
According to the ADL, these editors were collectively 18 times more active in group communication than other editor cohorts and contributed twice as many edits over the past decade. The alleged campaign focuses on topics related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, featuring content that reportedly downplays antisemitic themes, glorifies violence, and encourages calls for Israel’s destruction.
In particular, the ADL points to Arabic-language Wikipedia articles, which it says falsely portray Hamas in a favorable light, disseminating propaganda and “flouting Wikipedia’s rules for neutrality.” The report indicates these edits have escalated in the wake of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt warns that readers often presume Wikipedia to be reliable, but says, “it has become a biased platform manipulated by agenda-driven editors on many topics.” Greenblatt contends Wikipedia’s attempt to remain neutral has fallen short, calling for comprehensive changes to policy before rampant disinformation on one of the world’s most frequently visited websites “leads to tragic consequences.”
The ADL offers multiple recommendations, such as forming a “reputable expert program” to review contentious pages about the conflict, establishing a review committee for disputed content, and urging policymakers to create a task force to combat antisemitic bias. Greenblatt underscores the urgency of such measures, asserting that unchecked disinformation poses a growing threat on digital platforms.
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