Wikipedia pauses AI-generated summaries pilot after editors protest | TechCrunch
Jun 11, 2025 - techcrunch.com
Wikipedia has halted an AI experiment aimed at summarizing articles after receiving backlash from its editors. The experiment, which was available to users with a specific browser extension, displayed AI-generated summaries at the top of articles with an "unverified" label. Editors quickly criticized the initiative, citing concerns over potential inaccuracies and the risk of damaging Wikipedia's credibility due to AI "hallucinations."
Despite pausing the experiment, Wikipedia remains interested in exploring AI-generated summaries, particularly for enhancing accessibility. This move follows similar challenges faced by other organizations, such as Bloomberg, which have had to issue corrections and adjust their AI-driven content initiatives.
Key takeaways:
Wikipedia paused an AI experiment to summarize articles after editor backlash.
The AI-generated summaries were marked with a yellow "unverified" label and required user interaction to view.
Editors were concerned about potential damage to Wikipedia's credibility due to AI errors.
Despite the pause, Wikipedia remains interested in AI summaries for accessibility purposes.
