The tensions between Elon Musk and Wikipedia reach a new peak as the billionaire, tipped for a key position in the future administration Trumpcalls on its 209 million subscribers on X to boycott the encyclopedic platform. This escalation is part of a series of attacks against the site which he describes as “ wokist« .
This animosity is not new. In October 2023, Musk had offered a billion dollars to the foundation to rename the site “ Dickipédia“, a provocative proposition that illustrates the personal nature of this conflict. Today, he prefers the nickname “ Wokepedia“, accusing the platform of serving a progressive political agenda.
Digital ideological war
The CEO of Tesla et SpaceX justifies his relentlessness by denouncing the alleged dissemination of erroneous information and an editorial line that he considers too progressive. These accusations are firmly rejected by Wikipedia officials, who in turn highlight moderation problems and the proliferation of false information about X.
With its 7 billion monthly visits, Wikipedia ranks fourth among the most visited sites in the world. Its foundation, a non-profit organization, depends mainly on donations to maintain its operation and independence. This attack ofElon Musk could therefore be costly for the platform, which could quickly find itself under fire from criticism for which it was not prepared.
Impact and issues of declarations on Wikipedia
This confrontation between two digital giants raises crucial questions about the future of online information and the role of large platforms in shaping public opinion. While Musk could soon hold official positions in the United States (notably in the government efficiency department), the impact of his calls for a boycott on Wikipedia’s business model remains to be assessed.
