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The Delhi High Court has issued a contempt of court notice to Wikipedia, a significant development that highlights the tension between online platforms and legal jurisdictions. This action stems from Wikipedia's alleged non-compliance with a previous court order related to a defamation case filed by the news agency ANI. The court, led by Justice Navin Chawla, expressed serious displeasure with Wikipedia's lack of cooperation, warning that if the platform continues to operate in India without adhering to the court's directives, its operations could be blocked.
The controversy centers around edits made to ANI's Wikipedia page, which labeled the news agency as a “propaganda tool” of the Indian government. When the court requested Wikipedia to disclose information about the editors responsible for these controversial edits, the platform failed to comply. Wikipedia's defense, citing the lack of a physical presence in India, was deemed insufficient by the court. The judge emphasized that Wikipedia's operations in India are not exempt from legal processes and that failing to comply with court orders will have severe consequences.
This case raises important questions about the legal responsibilities of online platforms operating globally. The court's stance, prioritizing adherence to its rulings, underscores the increasing pressure on technology companies to be accountable for content hosted on their platforms, particularly when it involves defamation or other legal issues. The outcome of this case could have implications for how online platforms operate in India and other jurisdictions grappling with similar challenges.
The next hearing is scheduled for October, and a Wikipedia representative is expected to be present. Wikipedia's previous statement in July, declaring itself a “technology host” with no control over content, may face further scrutiny as the court seeks to clarify the platform's responsibility for ensuring compliance with Indian laws and regulations.
Source: 'Don’t work here if you…’ Delhi High Court issues contempt notice to Wikipedia