{"id":242,"date":"2025-05-22T14:00:06","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T12:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/?page_id=242"},"modified":"2026-05-20T13:30:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T11:30:25","slug":"framework","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/en\/themes\/framework\/","title":{"rendered":"Knowledge under pressure: Toward free access to information and a better internet"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Political pressure on the access to knowledge increased across the globe in 2025: independent media and universities were harassed, and science as the basis for knowledge was often called into question. Wikipedia, too, came under scrutiny<\/a> from governments, corporations, and tech oligarchs who perceive independent knowledge as a threat. Precisely for this reason \u2014 and at a time of corporate dominance on the internet, when it is often marked by disinformation and polarization \u2014 free and independent access to verified knowledge is a precious asset for everybody.<\/p>\n

As Wikimedia Deutschland, one of our goals<\/a> is to organize broad political and societal support for freely accessible knowledge \u2014 both nationally and internationally. In 2025, our efforts were again aimed at winning over decision-makers from various fields as supporters and at forging political alliances for a democratic and transparent digital policy that serves the common good.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n For transparency and freedom of information <\/span>\n <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Following the federal elections in Germany in February 2025, the CDU planned to abolish the Freedom of Information Act (IFG). Presented in the guise of \u201cstate modernization\u201d, this change would have significantly hindered access to public records. However, the state, politics, and democracy already face a lack of trust, and the general public needs more rather than less information about the actions of government agencies and ministries. That is why we protested against the planned abolition<\/a>. And we succeeded: The IFG remained in place. An announcement regarding reform followed, but its implementation is still pending.<\/p>\n

Compared to other European countries, Germany ranks near the bottom in terms of transparency. It is often difficult for citizens to understand how government agencies, ministries, or politicians make decisions. Our brochure \u201cFreedom of Information for Wikipedia \u2013 and for Trust in the State\u201d<\/a> (available in German) published in 2025 explains why this must change and outlines the arguments in favor of greater openness. A modern transparency law would not only help free knowledge projects like Wikipedia, but also make public administration more efficient and boost trust.<\/p>\n

Clear standards are also needed when it comes to the use of artificial intelligence: In the publication \u201cGenerative AI for the Public Sector?\u201d<\/a> (available in German), which we also published in 2025, we demonstrate that government decisions must remain transparent, rule-based and reliable. Traditional rule-based systems are often better suited for this purpose than generative AI systems.<\/p>\n

In the run-up to the federal elections and during the coalition negotiations, we already worked with a broad alliance to point out what we expected from the new German Federal Government: a digital policy that serves the people and the environment.<\/a> While the analysis<\/a> of the coalition agreement shows that some of our demands were addressed, many issues remain unresolved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Education and AI: Knowledge for the future <\/span>\n <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How do we live and learn in a world increasingly shaped by AI applications? How can education remain reliable and free in this context? In 2025, with the two-part workshop series Open AI in Schools<\/a>, we began to engage teachers and education stakeholders to explore a conscientious use of AI tools in the classroom. A survey among teachers, students and parents revealed how Wikipedia and digital educational resources are used today \u2014 and where action is needed. We distributed the resulting brochure with education policy recommendations<\/a> to education policymakers and used it in discussions as an argument for free and open education.<\/p>\n

Education is also a key focus of the publication Fundamental Rights in the Digital Age<\/a>, featuring contributions from 25 experts, which we published in the fall of 2025. Among other topics, it addresses educational equity, data protection, and the right to media education for greater media literacy. Moreover, the book examines how two of our most important fundamental rights \u2014 freedom of expression and privacy \u2014 can be protected in the digital environment. Various articles also present solutions for topics such as digital surveillance, AI and algorithms, as well as protection against digital violence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Anne-Sophie Waag (WMDE)<\/a>, Team OKIS-Tagung 2025<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a> <\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n
\n Sarah-Isabella Behrens and Dr. Anne-Sophie Waag from Wikimedia Germany, along with moderator Christine Oymann, at the workshop \u201cOpen AI in Schools,\u201d which brought together stakeholders from education policy, administration, and schools in Lehrte in June 2025. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Ekvidi<\/a>, Wikimedia150925-CC-37<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n
\n Book Launch: Michael Kolain is one of 25 experts who contributed to the publication *Fundamental Rights in the Digital Age*. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Mastodon-Account f\u00fcr Bundeskanzler Merz, Foto: Wikimedia Deutschland, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n
\n Chancellor Merz remains committed to the X platform. As a result, Wikimedia Germany and AlgorithmWatch have given him a Mastodon account. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\n \n Platforms for a better internet <\/span>\n <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The internet is not neutral. Commercial platforms like X, Meta, or Google are increasingly shaping our public discourse \u2014 often at the expense of diversity and trust. In an open letter<\/a> to the governing parties CDU\/CSU and SPD, we therefore joined other civil society organizations in calling for a more effective oversight of digital platforms. The core demand: Digital platforms should no longer be programmed in a way that massively influences discourse and divides societies. To address these risks, existing regulations such as the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act must be effectively implemented.<\/p>\n

At the same time, we highlighted alternatives to Big Tech<\/a> and, through the Action Alliance for New Social Media<\/a>, we launched a petition and held discussions with the German Rectors\u2019 Conference, arguing for example why universities should switch from X to Mastodon<\/a>. We provided a step-by-step guide<\/a> on how to make the switch, and as a symbolic act, Friedrich Merz was presented with a Mastodon account<\/a> at the start of his chancellorship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Jason Kr\u00fcger f\u00fcr Wikimedia Deutschland, FranziFranziska Heine, Portrait<\/a>, CC BY 4.0<\/a><\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n We can still turn away from the path to a digital platform oligarchy. Projects like Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, and the Fediverse show that the internet can function differently. In the interest of social cohesion and democratic culture, Germany\u2019s Federal Government should promote these and other alternatives for the common good. <\/blockquote>\n Franziska Heine<\/cite>\n Executive Director of Wikimedia Deutschland<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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As part of the Action Alliance for New Social Media, we also conducted a series of workshops on platform alternatives and more sustainable digitalization in cooperation with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. Among other things, these workshops aimed to explain how Wikipedia works and to make it easier for potential users to get started with the Fediverse.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n Networking and international engagement <\/span>\n <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Ekvidi<\/a>, B\u00fcndnis F5 at Republica25-Day2-22<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n
\n Federal Minister Dr. Karsten Wildberger (third from the right) visited our booth at re:publica 2025. Together with representatives from the F5 organizations, Wikimedia Board member Franziska Heine (left) emphasized the importance of structurally embedded dialogue between policymakers and civil society for digital policy that serves the public good. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Wikimedia Deutschland remained closely involved in global digital policy processes in 2025 and actively participated in international panels \u2014 because Wikipedia is a global project that requires global participation in shaping digital policy. As the largest organization in the global Wikimedia movement after the Wikimedia Foundation, we serve as a strong voice for a free and open internet. Exchange with partner organizations within the Wikimedia movement and beyond played a central role here. Together, we analyzed political developments, coordinated strategies, and shared experiences at national and international events \u2014 from specialist conferences such as the re:publica<\/a> in Berlin to forums like the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n To ensure Wikipedia remains accessible to everyone, we must engage with people from other countries and participate in international processes. As a civil society organization, we have a say in a wide variety of forums \u2014 including the Global Digital Compact initiated by the United Nations to define rules for a safe and open internet. Or within the context of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). <\/blockquote>\n Sophia Longwe<\/cite>\n Project Manager Policy at Wikimedia Deutschland.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\n \n Outlook: Free Knowledge requires political engagement <\/span>\n <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The year 2025 has made it clear that Free Knowledge cannot be taken for granted. It is under growing pressure \u2014 politically, economically, and technologically. This makes it all the more important to actively shape the underlying conditions. That is why we will continue to advocate for Wikipedia to remain a place where knowledge can be accessed freely, independently, and reliably. Because a democratic society needs an informed public \u2014 who in turn needs freely accessible knowledge reviewed by human peers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Free access to reliable information, as guaranteed by Wikipedia these past 25 years, is coming under increasing pressure due to political attacks as well as the economic interests of large tech corporations. This situation makes it all the more important to support Wikipedia and other free knowledge projects at the political level. In 2025, we advocated in particular for open digital infrastructures, against the erosion of information freedom, and for a sustainable education policy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6326,"featured_media":950,"parent":309,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"class_list":["post-242","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nicht-kategorisiert-en"],"acf":[],"lang":"en","translations":{"en":242,"de":147},"pll_sync_post":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6326"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=242"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/242\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1344,"href":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/242\/revisions\/1344"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/309"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/950"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=242"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wikimedia.de\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}