Wikiscanner: Wikipedia Uncovered

Wiki scanner is a tool in Wikipedia that allows anyone to trace the edit of a post to an IP address, which identifies the location, and title of the person responsible for the edit. Wiki scanner creates an outlet for propaganda while at the same time erodes secrecy. Anyone who wishes to propagate his or her agenda can use Wikipedia as a free and easy PR outlet, but anyone can use Wiki scanner to trace edits by typing in either the organization or the page itself.

            Alexander Litvinenko: Who To believe? The poisoning of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko has captivated the imagination of many. The majority of whom reside outside of Russia. Litvinenko, a political refugee from Russia, was poisoned in Britain for speaking out against the Kremlin. That is the story you are likely to find in Britain and through out most of the uncensored world circuit. Just not in Russia. The Litvinenko story begins in Russia, but does not make it back.

            In the Litvinenko case, IP addresses can reveal whether the edits made came from England or Moscow. Formerly anonymous editors of Wikipedia may attempt to exhibit seemingly neutral perspectives by quoting sources as opposed to dictating what is true. Yet choosing whom to quote is where neutrality can truly be decided. The neutrality standard set by Wikipedia is not safe from those determined to purport their viewpoint.

            The Alexander Litvinenko chronology of events cannot rival the chronology of Wikipedia edits to follow. The separation of theories found at the top of the page from allegations at the bottom can provide insight into the political affiliation of the creator or editor of the page. In order to receive notification of any further changes made to a page, one need only click flag. Flagging is for the determined Wikipediaist. Just as alarm bells in nuclear facilities warn of intrusion, flags send the determined Wikipediast scurrying towards revision.

            There are 604 edits on the Alexander Litvinenko page. The camps of editors clamoring to Wiki edits can be divided into two camps. Those who support either the Russian or British government. The edits in the Litvinenko case range from the accessibility of plutonium, the similarity between Litvenko’s death and that of other Russian dissidents, to theories of suicide. Claims have even been made that Litvinenko was killed to weaken Putin’s reputation. Had I posted those exact words, it is quite possible that my use of the word even may no longer exist the next time I logged on.

            Yet I have a place to duke this one out. If I had clicked flag this page after my change, I would immediately be able to dispute my right to make that claim with the rivaling editor behind the change. The talk page is where Wikipedia editors can challenge each other’s ideas. They toss out allegations of relevance and unreliable sources. Accusations of pure bullshit are turned into polite little acronyms. Right or wrong Wikipedia is a double-edged sword of propaganda and loss of privacy, and Wiki scanner is an oasis for meddlers.   To see my own wikipedia edit click here