As artificial intelligence continues to influence editorial and media sectors, platforms are establishing guidelines for its application. In a significant development this week, Wikipedia has banned its editors from using AI-generated text to create or rewrite article content. However, the platform has not imposed a total ban on AI within its editorial workflow.
The updated policy explicitly states that “the use of large language models (LLMs) to generate or rewrite article content is prohibited,” refining earlier, less precise language that only discouraged using LLMs to produce entirely new Wikipedia articles. This clarification comes amid ongoing debates within Wikipedia’s extensive volunteer editor community regarding the role of AI in content creation.
The new guidelines were adopted following a decisive vote among editors, with an overwhelming majority of 40 in favor and only 2 against. Despite the restrictions, the policy permits limited AI assistance for specific editorial functions. Editors may use LLMs to propose basic copy edits to their own writing, provided these suggestions undergo careful human review and do not introduce new information.
Notably, the policy warns that LLMs can sometimes exceed their intended scope, potentially altering the meaning of text and causing discrepancies with cited sources. Therefore, editors must exercise caution when incorporating AI-generated suggestions to maintain the accuracy and reliability of Wikipedia articles.
