From the Reuters newswire: “CIA, FBI computers used for Wikipedia edits”

In and of itself, Wikipedia can be a fairly controversial topic of conversation. Although it contains an almost inexhaustible amount of data on almost every conceivable topic, we’re constantly warned that it’s not an academically viable source of information. Perhaps for good reason: The very guidelines that allow the site to contain such a wide range of information (i.e., open editing by anyone who feels like putting in the time), also dictate that there will occasionally and inevitably be some factual errors.

That caveat aside, however, Wikipedia has proved itself to be, for the most part, a reliable source of information. Mistakes, whether deliberate or accidental, are usually eliminated within hours of publication. And the fact that it’s shot to the top of Google rankings for many of its topics proves that it’s a hit with many, many people.

Now, however, new controversy has arisen with the revelation that some rather distinguished parties have taken interest in just what Wikipedia is telling the world. From the Reuters article:

People using CIA and FBI computers have edited entries in the online encyclopedia Wikipedia on topics including the Iraq war and the Guantanamo prison, according to a new tracing program.

The changes may violate Wikipedia’s conflict-of-interest guidelines, a spokeswoman for the site said on Thursday.

Read the article here, and let us know what you think in the comments.