Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia co-founder: We’re living in an era of a massive lowering of trust

‘We’re living in an era of a massive lowering of trust’


Shaun Ley speaks to Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia, one of
the most visited websites in the world.


He talks about how to trust in a digital age, the pressures
facing open‑knowledge platforms and his new book The Seven Rules
of Trust: A Blueprint for Building Things That Last, where he
shares the lessons that transformed Wikipedia and could transform
our relationship with information too.


Jimmy Wales co founded Wikipedia in 2001, it was built on the
principle that knowledge should be free and created collectively.
With over 300 language editions, it’s the largest free knowledge
resource, relying on donations by online readers.


He reflects on how Wikipedia is navigating an era of
misinformation, political pressure, and declining public trust in
institutions. From accusations of left-leaning bias by
conservative voices and scrutiny from authoritarian governments,
to the challenge of keeping a global, multilingual platform
accurate and inclusive, he explains how Wikipedia’s unique
open-source model, powered by thousands of volunteer editors,
continues to hold the line on transparency and truth. The
Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world,
from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You
can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at
0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out
twice a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.


Presenter: Shaun Ley Producer: Farhana Haider Researcher:
Meaghaen Reid Editor: Justine Lang


Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the
hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.


(Photo: Jimmy Wales. Credit: Daniel Leal/AFP)