Against the backdrop of tensions between Hong Kong and mainland China, the quelled demonstrations of 2019 and 2020 have turned into a war of words between Wikipedia editors who are pro-democracy and those who are pro-Beijing. Anyone can edit most Wikipedia pages, but only a fraction of users tend to do so - and only some of those on a regular basis.
Matters came to a head in September when Wikipedia's governing body banned seven active pro-Beijing editors and removed the administrative powers of a further 12. Those involved were accused of bullying and intimidating editors who had a pro-democracy stance. But pro-Beijing voices taking part in a BBC Click investigation say the actions will mean that the narratives relating to China and Hong Kong will be biased towards a western viewpoint.
