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British Politicians Delete Negative Wikipedia Descriptions Before Election

Posted by timothy on from the war-on-the-ground dept.

EwanPalmer writes: The Wikipedia pages of dozens of UK politicians had references to sex scandals, fraud and opposition to same sex marriage removed in the run up to the UK general election. Dozens of MPs had negative aspects of their online biographies removed or altered prior to the election in a bid to make them more electable. The changes include several instances of MPs' expense claim scandals being removed, as well as details of arrests and the use of 'chauffeur-driven cars.' The edits were made using computers with IP addresses registered from inside Parliament.

2 of 121 comments (clear)

  1. Last minute voting researchers? by rmdingler · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Sure it's scandalous, but mostly because candidates with this many flaws are still running at all.

    Access to information is the greatest threat to rule of crooks and despots, which is why it is frowned upon in so many closed counties.

    In the West? Chances are very few people will be reseacrhing online inside the voting booth. Do your homework before election day.

    --
    Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.

    Ernest Hemingway

  2. Re:Surprised those edits weren't reverted by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Even if they were immediately reverted, that the edits were done is a cause for concern on its own basis.

    Me, if I were a politician, I'd tell my staff to have NOTHING to do with any Wikipedia pages on me EXCEPT post comments to the talk page clearly established as being from them, and requesting any errors or clarifications be made. Well, I suppose commenting to BLP or other places would be ok too.

    But that's why I'd never be a politician, I'm too honest and earnest.