“The popular reference site Wikipedia, which lets anyone create and edit entries, has tightened its editorial rules in an effort to stamp out vandalism and the posting of deliberate misinformation. The site will now require visitors to register before creating new entries.

The change follows complaints from a high-profile US journalist about an entry that falsely implicated him in the assassination of both US President John F. Kennedy and his brother Bobby Kennedy.

In an editorial published in USA Today on 21 November, John Seigenthaler Sr criticised Wikipedia for failing to spot and correct the error and for allowing its creator to remain anonymous. In the article, Seigenthaler said the error had remained on Wikipedia for several months and described the website as a ‘flawed and irresponsible research tool’.” (New Scientist)