Posted on: Friday, August 23rd 2024 at 3:00 am
In an era where information is power, who decides what's real and what's fake? The case of GreenMedInfo.com, a natural health website with nearly 100,000 peer-reviewed scientific abstracts and/or extensively referenced translational articles, being labeled as a "fake news" site by Wikipedia, raises alarming questions about censorship, scientific debate, and the future of free speech in the digital age.
The Accusation: GreenMedInfo as "Fake News"
Wikipedia's "List of fake news websites," initiated on October 26, 2020, includes GreenMedInfo.com, accusing it of deliberately publishing "hoaxes and disinformation to drive web traffic inflamed by social media."1 This characterization seems to attribute malicious intent to a website that primarily hosts peer-reviewed scientific abstracts from the National Library of Medicine. The accusation that the majority of its content is somehow "fake" or mere "news" appears not only misguided but potentially defamatory.
The Anonymity Problem: Unaccountable Editors
One of the most troubling aspects of this situation is the anonymity afforded to Wikipedia editors. The individuals responsible for labeling GreenMedInfo as a "fake news" site are not publicly accountable for their actions. This lack of transparency raises serious questions about potential biases, conflicts of interest, and the overall integrity of the information presented on Wikipedia. In fact, a recent interview the co-founder of Wikipedia Larry Sanger stated that he suspects that Wikipedia has been co-opted by intelligence agencies like the CIA, which might explain the way the platform has characterized those individual and organizations who express unorthodox or heterodox opinions on medical freedom, the COVID lockdown policies, and related topics related to bodily sovereignty and basic civil rights related to the First Amendment.
Debunking the "Disinformation Dozen" Myth
The Wikipedia entry cites the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) report, which named GreenMedInfo's founder, Sayer Ji, as one of the "Disinformation Dozen" responsible for spreading anti-vaccine misinformation.2 However, this claim has been thoroughly debunked. Meta (formerly Facebook) disputed the CCDH's findings, revealing that the named individuals were responsible for only about 0.05% of all views of vaccine-related content on their platforms, not the 73% claimed by CCDH.3
The McGill University Controversy: Bias or Balance?
Wikipedia's entry also references McGill University's criticism of GreenMedInfo's search engine as "biased toward scientific papers that claim natural food and alternative medicine can prevent and heal diseases."4 However, this characterization fails to acknowledge the potential conflicts of interest at play. McGill University and its affiliates have received significant funding from pharmaceutical companies, raising questions about their own potential biases.5
The Power of Peer-Review: GreenMedInfo's Scientific Foundation
Contrary to Wikipedia's implications, GreenMedInfo's database consists primarily of peer-reviewed study abstracts from reputable scientific journals indexed on PubMed. With over 94,000 such abstracts, the site serves as a valuable resource for those seeking information on natural health interventions backed by scientific research.6
Censorship in the Digital Age: The Pinterest Precedent
Wikipedia notes that GreenMedInfo was removed from Pinterest in 2019, citing Snopes' conclusion that this was likely due to "health misinformation."7 However, this incident raises concerns about the increasing trend of platform censorship and the potential suppression of alternative health information, regardless of its scientific basis.
The Cannabis Controversy: Misrepresentation or Miscommunication?
The Wikipedia entry claims that GreenMedInfo asserts "without evidence that marijuana is a cure for cancer." This statement oversimplifies the complex body of research on cannabinoids and cancer, which includes numerous preclinical studies suggesting potential anti-cancer properties.8
Conclusion: The Need for Open Dialogue and Transparent Science
The case of GreenMedInfo's classification as a "fake news" site by Wikipedia highlights the ongoing challenges in navigating the complex landscape of health information in the digital age. It underscores the need for open, transparent dialogue about scientific research, the role of alternative medicine, and the importance of protecting free speech and access to diverse health information.
As we move forward, it is crucial to critically examine the sources of our information, the potential biases and conflicts of interest at play, and the implications of labeling certain viewpoints as "fake news." The anonymity afforded to Wikipedia editors in making such consequential decisions is particularly concerning and demands greater scrutiny. Only through open debate, rigorous scientific inquiry, and transparent accountability can we hope to advance our understanding of health and medicine in a way that truly serves the public interest.
References
1. "List of fake news websites," Wikipedia, last modified August 2, 2024, 12:57, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
2. Ibid.
3. Monika Bickert, "How We're Taking Action Against Vaccine Misinformation Superspreaders," Meta, August 18, 2021, https://about.fb.com/news/
4. "List of fake news websites," Wikipedia.
5. Laura Hensley, "Big pharma pours millions into medical schools -- here's how it can impact education," Global News, August 12, 2019, https://globalnews.ca/news/
6. "About GreenMedInfo," GreenMedInfo, accessed August 5, 2024, https://www.greenmedinfo.com/
7. "List of fake news websites," Wikipedia.
8. Nikolas Klinefelter et al., "Cannabinoids for Cancer Treatment: Progress and Promise," Cancer Research 68, no. 2 (January 15, 2008): 339-342.
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