Elon Musk has recently reiterated his controversial $1 billion offer to Wikipedia to change its name to 'Dickipedia' for a minimum of one year. This offer, originally made in October 2023, was prompted by Musk's criticism of the Wikimedia Foundation's fundraising practices. He questioned the necessity of significant funding for the platform, suggesting that the entire text of Wikipedia could fit on a single phone. Musk confirmed that the offer remains valid in a response to Doge Designer on December 24, 2024, but as of now, there has been no response from the Wikimedia Foundation regarding this unusual proposal.
In addition to this, Musk has also taken aim at Wikipedia, labeling it 'Wokepedia' and urging his followers to refrain from donating until the platform restores balance in its editing authority. His comments, made on December 24, 2024, were prompted by a post from 'Libs of TikTok,' which highlighted that Wikipedia allocated over $50 million towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives out of a total budget of $177 million. Musk's critique reflects ongoing concerns about perceived bias within the platform, which has faced accusations from both the left and right regarding its editorial practices. A study conducted by David Rozado in January 2024 indicated a negative portrayal of right-leaning figures on Wikipedia, further fueling the debate about its impartiality.
In response to Musk's remarks, the Wikimedia Foundation defended its spending, asserting that these initiatives are aimed at enhancing diverse contributions to the platform. Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales also denied the platform's 'woke' status in a 2023 interview, emphasizing its commitment to neutrality. Notably, Wikipedia was the fourth-most-visited website in November 2024, attracting 6.7 billion visits, underscoring its significant role in the digital information landscape. [f56c567c][72552161]
