Wikipedia Zero

Wikipedia Zero is a project by the Wikimedia Foundation to provide access to Wikipedia free of charge on mobile phones, particularly in developing countries such as India, Egypt, and South Africa. The project was launched in 2012 with the goal of increasing access to knowledge and information for people in areas with limited Internet connectivity, in partnership with mobile network operators like Orange, Telenor, and Vodafone. This initiative is part of the broader efforts by the Wikimedia Foundation to expand access to Wikipedia, alongside other projects such as Wikimedia Commons and Wikidata. The project has been supported by various organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Knight Foundation.

Introduction

The Wikipedia Zero project aims to address the issue of limited access to information in developing countries, where many people rely on mobile phones as their primary means of accessing the Internet. By partnering with mobile network operators such as Airtel, Digicel, and Etisalat, the project provides free access to Wikipedia for millions of people around the world, including those in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This initiative has been praised by Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, as a key step towards achieving the goal of making knowledge and information available to everyone, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic background. The project has also been supported by other organizations, including the Ford Foundation and the Open Society Foundations.

History

The Wikipedia Zero project was launched in 2012, with the first partnership announced with Orange in Africa. Since then, the project has expanded to include partnerships with over 80 mobile network operators in more than 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Brazil, and Indonesia. The project has been successful in increasing access to Wikipedia in developing countries, with millions of people accessing the site every month. The project has also been recognized by various organizations, including the United Nations, which has praised the initiative as a key step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The project has also been supported by Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, which have provided funding and technical support.

Partnerships

The Wikipedia Zero project has partnered with numerous mobile network operators around the world, including Telenor in Asia, Vodafone in Europe, and MTN in Africa. These partnerships have enabled the project to reach millions of people in developing countries, providing them with free access to Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. The project has also partnered with other organizations, including the World Bank and the International Telecommunication Union, to promote access to information and knowledge in developing countries. The project has also been supported by UNESCO, which has recognized the importance of access to information and knowledge in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Other partners include Yahoo!, eBay, and Amazon.

Impact

The Wikipedia Zero project has had a significant impact on access to information and knowledge in developing countries. By providing free access to Wikipedia, the project has enabled millions of people to access a vast array of information on topics such as health, education, and science. The project has also been successful in increasing access to Wikipedia in areas with limited Internet connectivity, such as rural areas and conflict zones. The project has been praised by various organizations, including the European Union and the African Union, which have recognized the importance of access to information and knowledge in achieving sustainable development. The project has also been supported by NASA, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Criticism

The Wikipedia Zero project has faced criticism from some quarters, with some arguing that the project is not sufficient to address the issue of limited access to information in developing countries. Others have argued that the project is too focused on Wikipedia, and that other sources of information and knowledge should also be prioritized. The project has also faced criticism from some mobile network operators, which have argued that the project is not sustainable in the long term. Despite these criticisms, the project has been widely praised by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund, which have recognized the importance of access to information and knowledge in achieving sustainable development. Other critics include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera.

Technical_details

The Wikipedia Zero project uses a combination of technologies to provide free access to Wikipedia on mobile phones. The project uses a zero-rating system, which allows mobile network operators to provide free access to Wikipedia without charging users for data usage. The project also uses a content delivery network to cache Wikipedia content, reducing the amount of data that needs to be transferred over the Internet. The project has been developed in partnership with various technology companies, including Google and Facebook, which have provided funding and technical support. The project has also been supported by Intel, Cisco Systems, and IBM. Other technical partners include Red Hat, Oracle Corporation, and SAP SE. Category:Wikipedia