English Wikipedia Restricts Use of Generative AI in Article Writing
The site will still allow limited AI use for copyedits and translation, but only with human review and no new factual content.
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English Wikipedia has tightened its rules on generative artificial intelligence, prohibiting the use of large language models (LLMs) to generate or rewrite article content because such text often breaches the site’s core content policies.
The guideline says LLM-generated text frequently runs afoul of standards on verifiability, neutrality and original research.
In an official statement, the platform said, “Text generated by LLMs often violates several of Wikipedia’s core content policies. For this reason, the use of LLMs to generate or rewrite article content is prohibited.”
The move limits the role of AI tools in contributing to Wikipedia articles, which rely on verifiable sources and editorial oversight.
Under the updated guidelines, editors are allowed to use AI tools in a limited capacity. This includes making basic copy edits to their own writing, provided the output is reviewed and does not introduce new information.
“Editors are permitted to use LLMs to suggest basic copyedits to their own writing, and to incorporate some of them after human review, provided the LLM does not introduce content of its own,” the statement said.
The platform warned that AI tools can alter meaning in ways that are not supported by sources. “Caution is required, because LLMs can go beyond what you ask of them and change the meaning of the text such that it is not supported by the sources cited.”
AI tools may also be used for translation between languages, but only under specific guidelines that require editors to verify accuracy.
Wikipedia noted that identifying AI-generated content remains difficult and that enforcement will rely on broader checks, including whether content aligns with its core policies rather than writing style alone.
