The Delhi High Court is reviewing Wikipedia’s offer to disclose user identities related to defamatory edits on ANI’s page in a sealed cover. Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal assured the court of confidentiality while sharing necessary information. The case stems from a defamation suit by ANI against Wikipedia, which was previously criticized for not complying with a summons.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court heard a case today, on Oct 28th, regarding Wikipedia‘s willingness to disclose basic subscriber information (BSI) of users who contributed to a potentially defamatory page about news agency ANI in a sealed cover. This case arose from a defamation suit filed by ANI against Wikipedia for allowing derogatory edits on its page.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela is currently reviewing Wikipedia’s appeal against a single-judge order that mandated the platform to reveal the identities of users who allegedly included defamatory statements on ANI’s Wikipedia page.
Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, representing Wikipedia, proposed that the identities of the users could be kept confidential while still providing the necessary information to the court for further proceedings. He stated,
“Based on information available to us, we can effect service. We can file an affidavit… We will share a copy… although particulars will be redacted… The unredacted one, we will place in a sealed cover so that the Court has that.”
ANI’s counsel responded by asserting that Wikipedia should ensure the service of notice to the concerned users. Sibal reassured the court that all necessary steps would be taken based on electronic information about the users.
This matter has been adjourned until tomorrow to consider the possibility of a consent order regarding the notice service. The appeal is related to ANI’s earlier complaint, which led to a summons for Wikipedia to disclose information about three individuals responsible for the edits.
Read Also: “Wikipedia & It’s Functions as a Platform is DANGEROUS”: Delhi High Court
In a previous hearing, the Division Bench criticized Wikipedia’s reluctance to share user information and ordered the removal of a page chronicling the ongoing court battles, titled ‘Asian News International vs. Wikimedia Foundation,’ within 36 hours, citing potential interference with legal proceedings.
The court’s concerns highlight the challenges surrounding the editing functionalities of platforms like Wikipedia, emphasizing the need for accountability in user-generated content. As the case progresses, the court aims to thoroughly examine the architecture of Wikipedia to better understand its operational dynamics and implications for the defamation claim.
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES