Wikipedia, the renowned online encyclopedia, has issued a stern appeal to AI companies on November 10, 2025. The nonprofit organization is urging these firms to use its paid API for accessing content, rather than resorting to unauthorized scraping practices. This stance has been reiterated in subsequent reports, emphasizing the need for AI firms to adopt the paid API and cease scraping to support open knowledge initiatives. Wikipedia has also warned that non-compliance could lead to a complete loss of access to its data.
Wikipedia’s Call to AI Companies
Wikipedia’s call to AI companies is clear and direct: switch to the paid API as an alternative to scraping website content. The nonprofit organization has expressed a preference for structured access methods, which are more respectful of its resources and mission. The message is not just about compliance, but also about contributing to the sustainability of open knowledge projects.
On November 11, 2025, Wikipedia issued a specific warning to AI companies. The organization stated that these firms must stop scraping and pay for data use, or risk losing access entirely. This warning underscores the seriousness of Wikipedia’s stance and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
Background on Scraping Practices
AI firms have been reported to engage in website scraping of Wikipedia content. This practice, which involves extracting large amounts of data from websites without permission, prompted Wikipedia’s response on November 10, 2025. The organization views scraping as a violation of its terms of use and an unethical practice that undermines its mission to provide free, accessible knowledge to the public.
Wikipedia has called on AI companies to halt such activities and instead use official channels for data access. The organization believes that this approach not only respects its resources but also aligns with ethical data practices. This call reflects a broader concern about the impact of scraping on the integrity of online information and the sustainability of open knowledge initiatives.
Details of the Paid API Option
Wikipedia’s paid API is the recommended tool for AI companies seeking structured data access. This tool allows companies to access Wikipedia’s vast repository of information in a structured and respectful manner. The paid API is not just a means of accessing data, but also a way of supporting Wikipedia’s operations and mission.
The revenue generated from the paid API helps sustain Wikipedia’s operations and fund its open knowledge projects. This aligns with the organization’s call for AI giants to contribute to open knowledge. By using the paid API, AI companies can demonstrate their commitment to ethical data practices and the promotion of open knowledge.
Implications for Data Access and Compliance
Non-compliant AI companies face the potential loss of access to Wikipedia’s data. This is a significant risk, given the vast amount of information available on Wikipedia and its importance as a source of knowledge. The warning issued by Wikipedia underscores the seriousness of this risk and the need for AI companies to comply with its terms of use.
Wikipedia has taken a firm stance against scraping and has reiterated this stance across various reports. The organization is committed to enforcing its terms of use and protecting its resources. Non-compliance is not only a violation of these terms but also a threat to the sustainability of Wikipedia’s operations and its mission to provide free, accessible knowledge to the public.
Broader Context of AI and Open Knowledge
Wikipedia’s initiative ties into the broader context of AI and open knowledge. The organization is urging AI giants to use the paid API and contribute to open knowledge projects. This call reflects a vision of a sustainable model for data usage, where AI companies not only access data in a respectful and ethical manner but also contribute to the promotion of open knowledge.
The dialogue between Wikipedia and AI firms is ongoing, with discussions about ethical data practices and the role of AI companies in supporting open knowledge. This dialogue was initiated by Wikipedia’s announcement on November 10, 2025, and continues to shape the relationship between AI companies and the online encyclopedia.
Timeline of the Announcement
The originating report on November 10, 2025, marked the beginning of Wikipedia’s public call for AI companies to adopt the paid API and end scraping. This announcement signaled a significant shift in Wikipedia’s approach to data access and set the stage for subsequent discussions and reports.
Follow-up coverage on November 11, 2025, reinforced the message to AI firms about using the paid API as a compliant alternative to scraping. This coverage also highlighted the potential consequences of non-compliance, including the loss of access to Wikipedia’s data. The warning issued by Wikipedia underscored the seriousness of this risk and the need for AI companies to comply with its terms of use.
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