In a scandal that has rocked the world’s number one user-edited reference guide, Wikipedia, a sinister scheme of “undisclosed paid advocacy” has come to light. This scandal, which involved individuals and companies, particularly in the realm of Bitcoin casinos and affiliates, has led to the banning of hundreds of “editors” from Wikipedia.
Dubbed Operation “Orangemoody,” this clandestine operation was first uncovered in July when a flurry of suspicious “sockpuppets” emerged. These “sockpuppets” are individuals who are connected to the subjects they are editing about, but attempt to conceal their affiliations.
In total, 381 such accounts were identified and over 200 articles were promptly removed from Wikipedia. It is believed that this coordinated effort was aimed at boosting the visibility of various businesses on the site.
Among the businesses implicated in this scandal are prominent Bitcoin casinos like Bitcoin Casino 4U, Bitcoin Casino 365, and Bitcoin Casino Affiliate. The unauthorized creation of articles without the consent of the subjects listed on Wikipedia was essentially an extortion tactic.
The modus operandi of the “sockpuppets” involved drafting an article about a company or individual and then approaching them to post it on Wikipedia for a fee, as self-promotion is against Wikipedia’s policies. Subsequently, the “editors” would offer to “protect the article from vandalism and deletion” for a monthly fee of US$30, essentially turning it into a protection and extortion racket. Failure to pay would result in the deletion of the articles.
This scandal not only tarnishes Wikipedia’s reputation as a reliable source of information, but also raises concerns about the authenticity of the content on the site. This is not the first time Wikimedia has faced such issues, as a similar incident involving over 300 banned “sockpuppet” accounts linked to an organization called Wiki-PR occurred in 2013, prompting Wikipedia to revise its user agreement and terms of service.
In response to this scandal, one of the key editors involved in the investigation, known as “Risker,” issued a statement to the Wikipedia community expressing their dismay:
“I am deeply disappointed by the actions of those involved in this extortion scandal. It is imperative that we uphold the integrity of Wikipedia and take swift action against any attempts to manipulate the platform for personal gain.”
The repercussions of this scandal are far-reaching, underscoring the need for vigilance and transparency in the digital age. As the dust settles on Operation “Orangemoody,” the world watches with bated breath to see how Wikipedia will navigate this treacherous terrain and emerge stronger than ever.
