Wikipedia Turns 25: Still Ad-Free & Thriving Despite AI and Threats
Wikipedia, the user-driven encyclopedia, celebrated its 25th anniversary on January 15th, a remarkable feat achieved since its inception in 2001. With billions of page views and unique visitors, it remains a vast resource, surpassing even the Ming Dynasty’s Yongle Encyclopedia in size by 2007. Despite challenges like AI-related bot traffic and threats to its non-profit status, Wikipedia continues to be a go-to source due to its open-editing model and citation practices. The site’s recent struggles include dealing with the UK’s Online Safety Act and threats to its non-profit status.
John Q. Hosedrinker