Wikipedia just banned AI-written articles
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Wikipedia has banned the use of large language models to generate or rewrite article content on its English-language platform, according to PCWorld.
- The new policy allows AI for basic text editing and translations, but requires mandatory human review and verification for accuracy.
- This cautious approach prioritizes human oversight, while other language versions of Wikipedia may establish their own distinct rules around AI content.
After much debate, Wikipedia has now taken a position on AI-generated content on its platform: “the use of LLM to generate or rewrite article content is prohibited.” That’s what the internal policy page says, although the statement has some exceptions.
Wikipedia editors are allowed to use AI services for basic editing of text they have written themselves. Any AI-edited text must be reviewed by humans, both to ensure that the AI model has not added its own material and that the fundamental meaning of the text has not been changed.
Wikipedia also allows AI for translations. AI services can be used to produce an initial version of a translated Wikipedia article, but the translating editor must themselves be sufficiently proficient in both languages (original and translated) to be able to verify that the translation is accurate and error-free.
These new rules only apply to English Wikipedia. Wikipedia editors for other languages may offer their own rules and guidelines for using AI in their articles.
This article was originally published on our sister publication PC för Alla and has been translated and localized from Swedish.
