WikiScanner

There is a Reuters article (here) about Wikipedia topics being edited by people using CIA and FBI computers.

People using CIA and FBI computers have edited entries in the online encyclopedia Wikipedia on topics including the Iraq war and the Guantanamo prison, according to a new tracing program.

According to the article the changes where found using WikiScanner. The program allows people to track the computers that were used to make changes to Wikipedia. The changes seem to be fairly harmless. Mostly expanding on provided information and not removing info or censoring entries. But I am always a little suspicious of government agencies mucking with information and the media. Not to mention that this more than likely violates Wikipedia's rules on contributing to entries where a conflict-of-interest may occur.

I am torn on how bad this really is. I think most people would admit that the government has at least some control over mass media. And I think more Americans are going to get their information from Fox or CNN than Wikipedia. While Wikipedia may have more clout being billed as an encyclopedia. I would say the people who would take a wiki as gospel would believe the same information from a TV program or news paper. In the end it is in the hands of each individual to filter and double check the information we are being feed each and every day.