Public policy
We protect the right to free knowledge.
Everyone, everywhere has the right to access and share knowledge. By working with Wikimedia volunteers and affiliate organizations around the world, we protect free and open knowledge online, the people who make it possible, and our shared values.
Defending free expression
We defend everyone’s right to access free knowledge. We protect free expression rights; oppose government-imposed censorship; and educate governments, regulators, and lawmakers to defend people’s right to access and share knowledge globally.
Advancing better internet regulations
We help lawmakers support the right of online platforms and communities to create and share knowledge. We advocate laws that protect our ability to host content that Wikimedia volunteers share and edit. We are transparent about how we handle government demands to remove content or share data.
Promoting open copyright licenses
Creating and remixing content is vital for Wikimedia projects. We support copyright laws that promote a strong public domain and enable the use of free and open licenses so Wikimedia volunteers can contribute to knowledge broadly.
Upholding human rights
Volunteers may face surveillance, harassment, and retaliation for their work on Wikimedia projects. We defend their human rights, and we work to promote a safe online environment to create and share knowledge.
Protecting privacy
Privacy enables people to engage and share knowledge freely, without fear of someone watching their online lives. We defend everyone’s right to privacy and challenge mass surveillance.
Fighting disinformation
We stand for the right of everyone, everywhere to participate in free knowledge. In early 2022, when sanctions were imposed against the Russian government for invading Ukraine, we worked with our partners to make sure the Russian people could continue to access the open internet.
Learn more about our work, including research initiatives and how to get involved.
Stay up-to-date by following us on Linkedin, reading our monthly public policy and advocacy recap, and joining our mailing list. For quarterly insights, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
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Wikipedia Recognized as a Digital Public Good
The UN-endorsed Digital Public Goods Alliance has added Wikipedia to its registry, affirming the important role its volunteer editors play in making the internet better for everyone.
Wikimedia Foundation Challenges UK Online Safety Act Regulations
UPDATE – 12 September 2025: The Wikimedia Foundation will not appeal the UK High Court’s decision to dismiss our challenge to the UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA) Categorisation Regulations. The Foundation will continue to monitor how the Court’s guidance is followed, and Wikipedia is protected as the OSA moves forward. UPDATE: On Monday, 11 August,….
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As a nonprofit, Wikipedia and our related free knowledge projects are powered primarily through donations.
Photo credits
LABNL Lab Cultural Ciudadano
Jason Krüger for Wikimedia Deutschland e.V.
