Exploring the Weaponization of Open Source in Nigeria
In May 2023, WikiFact-Checkers organized an event where media professionals come together to host a fact-checking event on the weaponization of open source in Nigeria
By Okiki Adewusi
After a ten-week training for media professionals sponsored by the WikiCred initiative, on May 23, 2023 WikiFact-Checkers organized a fact-checking pre-workshop conference focused on the weaponization of open source. The event brought together experts, industry professionals, and Wikimedia community members to explore the risks and challenges associated with the misuse of open-source technologies, such as Wikipedia.
Wikipedia is an online open-source library written and maintained by a community of volunteers and the goal of the open source is to ensure everyone can have access to knowledge in respective of where you are or who you are.
During the conference, Jan Eissfeldt the Director, Global Head of Trust and Safety in the Wikimedia spoke on the importance of distinguishing between the Wikimedia Foundation’s view on misinformation and the specific challenge misinformation poses to the community. Eissfeldt emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to sharing accurate and verifiable information while encouraging discussion based on the best accessible resources. Eisseldt also noted the need to collaborate with local communities in addressing information challenges and providing better fact-checking tools.
Another speaker, Lanre Olagunju, fact-check editor for TheCable, an online news publisher covering Nigeria, acknowledged Wikipedia’s disruptive role in traditional institutions through collective intelligence and participatory journalism. Olagunju emphasized the challenge of disinformation on Wikipedia, particularly due to its open-editing model.
Olagunju shared three examples of instances where Wikipedia pages were manipulated to spread misleading information, highlighting the importance of enhancing trust in fact-checkers and addressing vandalism on the platform.
1) Vandalism of Bola Tinubu’s Wikipedia page
In March 2021, the profile page for Bola Tinubu, then president-elect of Nigeria, was repeatedly vandalized on Wikipedia, with individuals attempting to alter his age from 69 to 79. Multiple conflicting edits were made, leading to concerns about the accuracy of information and the impact on public perception. This incident underscores the need to address vandalism and enhance the trust of fact-checkers in Wikipedia.
2) Sanwo-Olu Wikipedia page: misleading edits, and false information
Prior to the last gubernatorial election in Lagos, the Wikipedia page for Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, was subjected to edits aiming to mislead the public about his background, including the addition of false Igbo names. This highlights the importance of ensuring the accuracy and integrity of information on Wikipedia.
3) Barkley Miguel Panzo page: Fabricated
In 2018, a French-Angolan striker, Barkley Miguel Panzo, reportedly manipulated his Wikipedia page with allegedly fabricated career statistics, leading to a Lithuanian club employing him based on the false information. The incident showcases the potential consequences of disinformation on Wikipedia, impacting real-world decisions and the credibility of the platform.
Read Olagunju’s full presentation here.
Helping to improve the credibility of Wikipedia, and reduce misinformation and disinformation on the platform
The May fact-checking event facilitated constructive discussions on various topics, including identifying instances of open-source technologies being exploited for malicious activities, strategies to mitigate risks, promoting responsible usage, and the importance of fact-checking information. The keynote speaker also examined misinformation on open-source using the #EndSARS article on Wikipedia by providing insights into the complexities surrounding the subject matter.
Detailed information about the review of the #EndSARS article can be read at this link.
WikiFact-Checkers project lead Kemi Makinde noted that it is no longer news that the world is fighting misinformation and disinformation which has invariably affected information on Wikipedia. Having a group of WikiFact-Checkers coming together at a yearly work-shop to work on references on Wikipedia articles can also help to improve the credibility of Wikipedia, and reduce misinformation and disinformation on the platform.
Moving forward, the WikiFact-Checkers Team will leverage the insights gained from the event to enhance the reliability of open source media libraries and combat misinformation and disinformation effectively.
About the Wikimedia Foundation
The nonprofit Wikimedia Foundation provides the essential infrastructure for free knowledge. The Foundation hosts Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, created, edited, and verified by volunteers around the world, as well as many other vital community projects.
