Wikipedia is a free, open-source online encyclopedia created and maintained by a global community of volunteers. Launched in 2001 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, Wikipedia is one of the largest and most popular reference websites on the internet, providing millions of articles in multiple languages on a vast range of topics. Its content is collaboratively written and edited by volunteers, with anyone able to contribute or modify articles.

Wikipedia operates under a neutral point of view policy, which means that articles are expected to present information fairly, without bias, and with proper sourcing. However, because it is open to public editing, it has faced challenges related to accuracy, vandalism, and bias, although these issues are often quickly addressed by Wikipedia's active community of editors.

Over the years, Wikipedia has grown into an essential resource for students, researchers, and the general public, offering information on topics from history, science, and politics to pop culture, technology, and current events. Its open nature has made it both a valuable educational tool and a subject of debate regarding the reliability and credibility of crowd-sourced information.

Despite its open-editing model, Wikipedia has developed systems for content verification and quality control, including citation requirements and editorial oversight in controversial or high-traffic articles. The Wikimedia Foundation, a nonprofit organization, oversees the website's operations.

In June 2017, BOOM investigated how several Indian Twitter influencers fell for misleading information from a known fake news website. The article highlighted how unreliable sources can easily spread false information, even among well-known public figures, emphasizing the importance of verifying the authenticity of news before sharing it.