Wikipedia modifies editing system for controversial pages

Wikipedia is changing the way it controls the editing process for some of its potentially more controversial pages.

The community site explained that the locking down of edits on some pages will be relaxed, and that any modifications made by users will be flagged as Pending Changes.

Wikipedia will trial the new system for two months as it seeks to reassure users of the openness of its editing process.

"Articles that are frequently subjected to malicious edits have long been locked, sometimes for years, and protected from editing by new and anonymous users," the site said in a blog post.

"At present, only about 0.1 percent of the 3.3 million articles on the English Wikipedia are under edit protection. This tool should help reduce disruptive edits or errors to articles while maintaining open, collaborative editing from anyone who wants to contribute."

The padlock logo indicating locked content will be replaced with a magnifying glass logo indicating Pending Changes.

A Wikipedia entry showing the Pending Changes icon will be open for editing by anyone, from registered to anonymous and new users.

Wikipedia said that edits are reviewed before appearing alongside the main version of the article, where once again they are offered up to scrutiny.

Just 2,000 pages will be opened up to the new system, and Wikipedia is asking its community to help decide which ones to include.

The community site's editors were certainly not afraid of speaking out recently when many expressed anger at the way co-founder Jimmy Wales handled Fox News allegations that the site contained pornographic content.

Wales voluntarily relinquished his special founder powers at Wikepedia, but some said he had already lost the trust of the community of editors who manage the site on a day-to-day basis.