"According to an investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ), Portland outsourced Wikipedia edits relating to some of its high-profile clients, including the state of Qatar. TBIJ said it had evidence of alleged Wikipedia edits made on behalf of Portland between 2016 and 2024. Between 2016 and 2021, many were made by Web3 Consulting, which is run by a consultant allegedly used by Portland to make edits."
"Portland was founded by Allan, a former adviser to Tony Blair, in 2001. There is no suggestion he personally ordered any changes to be made or knew of them. He sold most of his shares in the company in 2012 and left Portland in 2019. He was contacted for comment. A spokesperson for Portland said: Portland does not have a relationship with the firm mentioned and has a policy of strict adherence to the guidelines on all social media platforms."
Portland Communications has been linked to alleged undisclosed Wikipedia edits made on behalf of high-profile clients between 2016 and 2024. A network of editors, allegedly controlled by a contractor, reportedly performed changes including edits by Web3 Consulting from 2016 to 2021. Alleged alterations aimed to improve the image of Qatar by burying references to critical reporting ahead of the 2022 World Cup, removed suggestions that a billion-dollar philanthropy project failed its mission, and shifted critical news references to more positive sources. Tim Allan founded Portland in 2001, sold most shares in 2012 and left in 2019. Portland denies a relationship with the firm named and asserts adherence to social media guidelines.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]