Does Wikipedia have a porn problem? Dad investigates.

Dad read a few news reports that Wikipedia has a "porn problem" and needs an opt-in filter--but Wikipedia isn't making one. Skeptical, he decides to investigate and ends up checking out Simple Wikipedia, which is ostensibly "for everyone, that includes children," with Junior. Big mistake. (Yes, I did the "Junior" voiceover, if that wasn't obvious.) For more info see: http://larrysanger.org/2012/05/what-s...

• Category

  News & Politics

[Anno Bonano]

I'm not just worried about kids. I'm worried for myself. I'd like to be able to read articles without accidentally stumbling across porn! Sometimes I might want to look up a medical term, a slang term that's been used (and that I want defined), or click on a link from other Wikipedia articles out of curiosity. Then I find nasty stuff like this. Nudity may be "natural," and I may not be able to produce an objective reason why it's immoral, but I DON'T WANNA SEE IT. It's not necessary.

[muchomusiclibre]

Kids today aren't like we all were before the internet. They see stuff we couldn't have even imagined as kids.

[Dishan Savithra Rajapaksha]

It's time for a Safe Search option I guess

[jayen466]

Wikimedia's fundraisers use testimonials like these:

"Wikipedia helps me teach my children about the world in a safe, clean and trustworthy manner. Free from bias, banter, commercial interests and risky content."

"I'm an English teacher. Wikipedia is invaluable to me and my students."

"Thanks to websites like 'Wikipedia', children of all ages can continue their endeavor in learning."

Yet when the filter topic comes up, they say, "Wikipedia is not meant for children!"

[jayen466]

Larry didn't even pick the worst examples he could have. There are hardcore videos in there.

[Terraxos]

Wikipedia badly needs a 'safe search' function. Or not to host these images at all, but some people would never agree to that...

[redswez]

thanks for highlighting this issue! 

[milowent]

larry, the nannystate doesn't control what my kids see, i do. but the voiceover is cracking me up.

[Inopibus]

Christ, I didn't realise they hosted images like those!