Wikipedia pulls AI-generated summaries after editors revolt
The Wikimedia Foundation quietly tested AI summaries on mobile earlier this month. Only 10% of users saw the feature—and only if they opted in. But that small rollout sparked a fierce backlash from veteran editors.
Editors slammed the move, saying AI blurbs threaten Wikipedia’s trust and reliability. One editor put it bluntly: 
“Wikipedia has in some ways become a byword for sober boringness, which is excellent. Let’s not insult our readers’ intelligence and join the stampede to roll out flashy AI summaries.”
Editors were also furious they were left out of the loop. WMF cited a “discussion” before the test launch, but it had only one participant—a WMF employee.
The WMF argued AI summaries provide easier entry points for readers, especially those with lower reading levels. But the editors stood firm, pushing WMF to pause the feature.
WMF says it’s not dead—just on hold. Future AI summary plans will include editor input.
The experiment is over for now, but Wikipedia isn’t done with AI yet.
For full details, see the 404 Media report.
