KQED's Forum Wikipedia Founder Jimmy Wales on How to Build Trust
Nov 3, 2025
Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation, delves into the building blocks of trust within the platform. He discusses how open editing and community moderation empower user confidence, countering modern distrust in institutions. Wales addresses attacks from figures like Elon Musk and emphasizes the importance of transparency and neutrality in controversial content. He also explores the exciting yet cautious role of AI in enhancing Wikipedia, while highlighting the ongoing need for diverse contributions to keep the platform thriving.
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Open Systems Can Rely On Good Faith
- Wikipedia's openness relies on trusting most users to act in good faith rather than heavy gatekeeping.
- The community polices misbehavior and blocks persistent bad actors to keep the system working.
Assume Good Faith And Be Civil
- Assume good faith when editing and treat other contributors with civility to resolve disputes constructively.
- Apologize for intemperate comments and focus on improving the encyclopedia, not winning arguments.
Transparency And Neutrality Build Trust
- Wikipedia builds reader trust by requiring transparent sourcing and citing reputable outlets for claims.
- Practicing neutrality—explaining disputes rather than taking sides—reinforces that trust.
