Wikipedia Offers to Reveal User Identities in Sealed Covers in ANI Case

Wikipedia has agreed to provide basic subscriber information about users who edited the Asian News International (ANI) page to the Delhi High Court in a sealed cover. This decision was made during an appeal hearing on October 28, where Wikipedia's Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal stated that the identities of the users would remain confidential while the court would receive the necessary information. The case stems from ANI's defamation lawsuit against Wikipedia, claiming that the Wikipedia page misrepresented the agency as a government propaganda tool. ANI is seeking the removal of the content and monetary damages, arguing that Wikipedia, as a widely viewed intermediary, should not act as a private entity. The court had previously ordered Wikipedia to take down a page related to the defamation case, labeling it an interference in court proceedings. The ongoing legal battle highlights the tensions between user anonymity on platforms like Wikipedia and the demands for accountability in cases of alleged misinformation.

- Wikipedia will share user data with the court while keeping identities confidential.

- ANI alleges defamation due to misrepresentation on Wikipedia's page.

- The case raises questions about the responsibilities of intermediaries like Wikipedia.

- The Delhi High Court has previously ordered the removal of related content from Wikipedia.

- The legal proceedings reflect ongoing debates about misinformation and user privacy.