Hello, all.

I’m writing to update you all on an emerging human rights concern related to the invasion of Ukraine. We are concerned that an effort is being made to identify Wikipedia editors whose activities are seen as opposing the Russian narrative of the war.

I wanted to let you know that we are aware, we are monitoring, and we are acting in various ways already. While we cannot discuss the details for the safety of all involved, over a year ago, we hired a Human Rights Lead with experience in individual safety to help us with such situations. This includes partnerships with allied organizations experienced in human rights interventions as well as connecting with appropriate community groups and functionaries to provide safety support. We care about the safety of Wikimedians, and I know that you do, too. We have heard as much from many of you directly.

I want to take this opportunity to raise your awareness of the need to protect yourselves and each other online. It’s such a cliche that I’m almost hesitant to write it, but in this world, sharing information is sometimes a radical act. Because of this, we ask you all to please be aware of what information you share about yourself on Wikimedia platforms and how your Wikimedia activities can be connected to your personal identity. Some Wikimedians have chosen to operate transparently. Others have chosen to operate under pseudonyms. Whatever path you’ve chosen, there are best practices for your personal protection. Some guidance has been gathered here: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Voices_under_Threat

At the same time as I share these recommendations, I want to firmly assert that all who try to get people vital information in times of crisis - whether Wikimedian or otherwise - should be celebrated. At the core of our movement is the belief that knowledge belongs to everyone, and the Foundation is firmly against efforts by anyone to stand in the way of the flow of verifiable information in whatever forum it is shared. I believe, as is the way with all Wikimedians, that the path to a better world is to ensure people everywhere have access to knowledge, and that we, as collective societies, should provide them the tools to assess the accuracy of the information they encounter. Censorship is not the solution.

If you have information to share about this situation or about other potential threats of persecution to the safety of Wikimedia volunteers due to their good faith contributions to the projects, please share with talktohumanrights@wikimedia.org. The team is quite busy and may not be able to respond to all communications because of that, but they do read them, and your emails do matter.

I wish the best for all of you who read this and for all seekers of information and sharers of information in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and beyond. We will share updates of the situation here as we are able within the framework of prioritizing people’s safety. In the meantime, I’d like to take the opportunity to highlight the efforts of some Wikimedians related to the invasion of Ukraine. 

Warm regards,

Maggie