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Wikipedia at 25: Jimmy Wales Says the World’s Free Encyclopaedia Is Here to Stay

Deepika Rana / Updated: Jan 27, 2026, 11:50 IST
Wikipedia at 25: Jimmy Wales Says the World’s Free Encyclopaedia Is Here to Stay

Wikipedia, the world’s largest online encyclopaedia, has completed 25 years since its launch, marking a major milestone in the history of the internet. Founded in 2001 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, the platform has grown into one of the most visited websites globally, offering free access to knowledge in hundreds of languages.


Jimmy Wales Dismisses Fears About Wikipedia’s Future

Addressing long-standing questions about Wikipedia’s relevance in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and generative search tools, founder Jimmy Wales firmly stated that the platform is “not going anywhere.” According to Wales, Wikipedia’s core values—community-driven editing, transparency, and neutrality—remain its greatest strengths.


Human Editors Still at the Core

Wales emphasised that despite advances in AI, Wikipedia continues to rely on human volunteers to verify facts, maintain accuracy, and uphold editorial standards. He noted that while AI tools can assist in moderation and translation, human judgment remains irreplaceable when it comes to sourcing, neutrality, and context.


Battling Misinformation in the Digital Age

As misinformation spreads rapidly across social media and AI-generated content platforms, Wikipedia sees its role as more critical than ever. Wales highlighted that the encyclopaedia’s strict citation rules and open review process help it stand out as a trusted reference point on the internet.


Financial Independence and the Role of Donations

Wikipedia’s non-profit model, supported primarily through reader donations, has allowed it to remain free from advertising and corporate influence. Wales stated that this independence helps the platform stay focused on its mission rather than commercial interests, even as operating costs continue to rise.


Global Reach and Multilingual Growth

Today, Wikipedia hosts millions of articles across more than 300 languages, with growing participation from developing regions. Wales pointed out that expanding access to knowledge in underrepresented languages is a key priority for the next phase of Wikipedia’s growth.


Coexisting With AI, Not Competing Against It

Rather than viewing AI as a threat, Wales believes Wikipedia can coexist with emerging technologies. He said AI systems often rely on Wikipedia as a foundational data source, reinforcing the platform’s importance in the broader digital ecosystem.


Looking Ahead: Wikipedia’s Next 25 Years

As Wikipedia enters its next chapter, the focus remains on sustainability, trust, and community participation. Wales concluded that as long as people care about sharing accurate, free knowledge, Wikipedia will continue to thrive.