Log in

View Full Version : free wikipedia in the middle east!

the_tyrant
10-15-12, 01:10 PM
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57532461-94/wikipedia-now-totally-free-to-mobile-users-in-the-middle-east/


A full 25 million mobile users in the Middle East can now use Wikipedia without worrying about data charges.
The Wikimedia Foundation and Saudi Telecom (STC) have teamed up to offer the free access (https://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Press_releases/WMF_and_STC_partner_on_WP_Zero_in_the_Middle_East) through a program known as Wikipedia Zero (https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Wikipedia_Zero). The goal behind this initiative is to help people in developing countries more easily get information through Wikipedia. Many users in these countries surf the Internet via mobile devices, so the Wikimedia Foundation tries to work with local carriers to eliminate data charges and other obstacles.

This is a good idea. Free Wikipedia access would be great!
Penguin
10-15-12, 02:12 PM
The principal idea is great, but I doubt that the people will be able to see sites like this: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censorship_in_Saudi_Arabia
As long as they don't get access to the whole wikipedia it is more bread and circus than providing free information.

edit: arrgh, sent it off too early.

It is great to have access to education, even if you can't get infos about everything, but I think that limiting information contradicts Wikipedia's concept.
Catfish
10-15-12, 04:50 PM
Just like Google did, voluntarily, in China.

You could argue better that than nothing, but .. :hmph:
the_tyrant
10-15-12, 05:11 PM
Just like Google did, voluntarily, in China.

You could argue better that than nothing, but .. :hmph:

Umm, did you read the article?

It says that when you go on Wikipedia on your phone in the KSA, its free, no data charges.

I'm pretty sure China Mobile charges me for data usage if I go on google.
Catfish
10-15-12, 05:22 PM
I think the idea is great.
But i also think there will be censorship - the question is how much.
And this reminded me of the generous and all-altruistic Google ...
Catfish
10-16-12, 05:17 AM
Saudi Arabia shows its true colours:

http://www.ibtimes.com/saudi-arabia-suggests-global-internet-regulations-preserve-public-order-845179

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/9602263/Anti-Islam-film-prompts-Saudi-call-for-net-censorship-body.html