Wikipedia has announced a new AI strategy for the next three years, and it’s good news for its global community of volunteers: AI will not replace human editors, but instead help them work better.
In a blog post on Wednesday, the Wikimedia Foundation said the goal is to use AI to remove technical barriers, making it easier for editors, moderators, and patrollers to do their jobs without needing deep technical skills. The focus is on using AI as a support tool, not a replacement.
Wikipedia plans to use generative AI in areas where it works well — such as automating boring or repetitive tasks, translating content, and helping new volunteers get started. AI will also help improve how information is discovered on the site, allowing editors to spend more time on thoughtful discussions and decision-making.
Chris Albon, director of machine learning at the Wikimedia Foundation, said the organization will follow strong values while using AI — including privacy, transparency, human rights, and a commitment to open-source tools.
“AI will support our human-centered approach, not take it over,” Albon said. He also pointed out that keeping Wikipedia accurate is more important than ever, especially as generative AI tools sometimes provide false or misleading answers.
This announcement makes it clear: Wikipedia sees AI as a partner for humans, not a replacement.
