Wikipedia wins landmark privacy lawsuit in France

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2007

PARIS (AFP) — A French court has ruled that Wikipedia could not be held responsible for content posted by its users in a landmark ruling for the Internet giant, officials said Friday.

Three plaintiffs were each seeking 69,000 euros (100,000 dollars) in damages for invasion of their privacy after their homosexuality was revealed on the website, which is written and edited by thousands of anonymous contributors.

But a judge rejected their demands in a ruling reached on Monday, arguing that "the Wikimedia Foundation's responsibility ... has not been clearly established," a decision welcomed by the foundation.

"The decision is very clear and we appreciate the fact the court acknowledges our role as an Internet host, rather than an editor," said Florence...