Title: Unmasking the Individuals Behind Project 2025 and Their Wikipedia Editor Reveal Agenda
Wikipedia, the comprehensive and ever-evolving treasure trove of human knowledge, thrives on the tireless efforts of an anonymous horde of devoted editors. These diligent individuals invest countless hours in fine-tuning entries, engaging in debates, and striving to paint an unbiased picture of reality online. According to insider information obtained by Forward, the Heritage Foundation is planning to single out and challenge these unidentified editors.
The Heritage Foundation is a famed conservative research organization and the architects of Project 2025. Based on intelligence gathered by Forward, Heritage distributed a pitch deck outlining a strategy aimed at unmasking Wikipedia editors for Jewish foundations. The Heritage Foundation allegedly intends to combat alleged antisemitism by employing various techniques.
The three-part plot proposals a daunting prospect. The objective is to "identify and target Wikipedia editors misusing their authority by scrutinizing text patterns, usernames, and technical data through data breach analysis, fingerprinting, and technical targeting," the initial slide proclaimed.
The Heritage Foundation's strategy involves blending diverse tactics to draw out Wikipedia editors and expose their true identities. The think tank intends to employ "curated sock puppet accounts" to lure editors out and reveal their hidden personalities. They will also use "neuro-linguistic programming" to identify writing styles, repetitive phrases, and content patterns, cross-referencing with activity on other platforms.
The Heritage Foundation, along with the Wikimedia Foundation, declined Gizmodo's request for comment.
In recent times, WordPress has emerged as a conservative scapegoat, engaging in confrontations over accusations of antisemitism and being "too woke."
For years, Israel's supporters have expressed discontent over the website's management of Israel's skirmish in Gaza. Several Jewish news outlets have voiced allegations of antisemitism against the site. The controversy revolves around the legal definition of "Genocide" and how Wikipedia frames Israel's activities in Gaza. Critics have also taken aim at Wikipedia editors for labeling the Anti-Defamation League as an untrustworthy source concerning the conflict. Holocaust scholars have since accused the site's editors of distorting the significance of the tragedy.
The conservative campaign against Wikipedia gained momentum two days before Christmas, when Libs of TikTok expressed fury over the site's allocation of "equity" funds. Wikipedia is financed by donations and discloses its financial statements annually for public scrutiny. According to these disclosures, the foundation allocated $31.2 million to "equity." This was a point of contention for Libs of TikTok and Elon Musk, who urged supporters to cease funding the site.
What did Wikipedia utilize the $31.2 million for? A substantial portion was doled out as grant money. In the Middle East, it contributed to the Arab Reports for Investigative Journalism, which supports journalism training in Arab nations. In Brazil, it funded the InternetLab, which conducted research on racial disparities and internet access in the country. In North America, it aided the Racial Equity in Journalism Fund, which funded local news coverage.
Editing Wikipedia is a constant battleground. The volunteer editors do not march in unison, continuously debating, editing, and arguing over the essence of truth. The site serves as a collective notepad on all human knowledge, and the chaotic nature of social media site CEOs surely adds to its appeal.
Wikipedia meticulously records the history of every edit and discussion, offering a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the site. Wikipedia's extended history of addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict boasts its own dedicated article, complete with a labyrinthine history of edits, debates, and disputes.
Enrichment Data:
The Heritage Foundation's plan to uncover the identities of Wikipedia editors includes several tactics, including:
- Facial Recognition Software: Although the practicality of this method is questionable, as most Wikipedia editors restrict their likenesses from public view, it remains a part of the Heritage Foundation's strategy.
- Database Breaches: The Heritage Foundation intends to use data from compromised databases, such as usernames and passwords, to track editors.
- Natural Language Processing: They will utilize NLP techniques to analyze text patterns, repeated phrases, and content patterns.
- Creating Fake Accounts: The plan involves engaging in the creation of phony accounts to lure out Wikipedia editors, stimulating them to divulge personal information or clicked on malicious tracking links.
- Technical Fingerprinting: They will employ techniques such as controlled links to capture IP addresses, browser fingerprints, and device data. Additionally, they plan to utilize technical data collection to track vital information like the geolocation, ISP, and network details.
- Online Human Intelligence (HUMINT): The Heritage Foundation proposes using personas, behavioral manipulation, and cross-community targeting to gather intelligence from various sources.
[1]: The specific techniques and methods are outlined in a presentation titled "Wikipedia Editor Targeting," which details the Heritage Foundation's plan to identify and target Wikipedia editors they believe are "abusing their position."
[3]: Database breaches have raised concerns about privacy and data security in recent times, as significant user information has been leaked as a result of such breaches. Theft of passwords and other sensitive data can leave individuals vulnerable to attempts at identity theft and other forms of cybercrime.
The Heritage Foundation is exploring the use of technology in their strategy to uncover the identities of Wikipedia editors. This includes employing natural language processing to analyze texts, using technical fingerprinting to capture IP addresses and device data, and potentially utilizing database breaches for user information.
With the future of their plan largely relying on technology, the Heritage Foundation's approach to tackling their perceived issues with Wikipedia editors further highlights the increasing role of tech and technology in shaping societal discourse and online activities.
