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Disinformation, information intoxication or fake news has always existed. Information has always been a weapon, a tool of power that has raised and destroyed empires, countries and civilizations. And in the age of the internet, misinformation goes viral at high speed.

One of those responsible for bring light to darkness of ignorance in these times is Wikipedia, the digital encyclopedia to which we all resort constantly to resolve doubts and to settle disputes about a data, a date or a name.

In its quest to improve the way it generates and improves its content, it has launched a code of conduct. As a style guide focused on the moderation and rigor of what contributors or Wikipedians contribute, Wikipedia launches its own Universal Code of Conduct o Universal Code of Conduct.

A first draft was submitted in September 2020. Then it was corrected. And on February 2 of this year, its version ratified by the Council that directs the Wikipedia and all the projects in its environment. Now it is being translated into all the languages in which there is a Wikipedia version. At the time of this writing, the translation to Spanish goes for 30%.

Another fact that exemplifies the importance of this code of conduct is that they have participated in it more than 1,500 volunteers of 19 versions or languages other than Wikipedia. And why is this document so important? In the words of those responsible, its purpose is to combat misinformation. And, especially, negative behaviors derived from the polarization that exists in the current internet.

In the words of Mara Sefidari, President of the Council of the Wikimedia Foundation, this code of conduct should serve to create a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for our collaborators, and a movement more open and powerful for free knowledge .

The text, of about 1,600 words, covers several aspects: it defines what is the acceptable behavior in the Wikipedia community, wants to prevent abuse of power and harassment of project participants and combat misinformation or the introduction of false or inaccurate information deliberately or intentionally.

Todays internet is a reflection of the society in which we live. With the good and with the bad. On the good, projects like Wikipedia they have brought culture and information to the whole world and it has become another tool for educators. In the bad, hate speech has proliferated thanks to the intoxication and misinformation that is viralized in social networks and, lets not forget, also in traditional media.

The Universal Code of Conduct Wikipedia is one more contribution to the many that arise every day to combat misinformation. On this occasion, this code serves to give some guidelines that can be extrapolated to other areas of the internet.

Some of the elements that we find in this code seem very obvious. But it is convenient to list and remember them to avoid what we later find on social networks. For starters, what is the acceptable behavior in Wikipedia: mutual respect, empathy, civility Words that forget those who are dedicated to intoxicating or insulting everyone does not think the same.

Precisely, the Wikipedia code highlights the toxic behaviors, so common in forums and social networks: harassment, insults, abuse of power, manipulation, incitement to violence or suicide A list of behaviors to avoid on Wikipedia but also in other areas of online communication.

You will find more information about the Universal Code of Conduct on its official page. You can also consult the discussion related to the document or collaborate in the translation of the text.

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Wikipedia's code of conduct to combat misinformation Latest News, Breaking News, Top News Headlines - Explica