Wikidata:WikidataCon 2017/Notes/How to tackle the Global South systemic bias

Title: How to tackle the Global South systemic bias

Speaker(s) edit

Name or username: Andreasmperu

Abstract edit

Most Wikidata editors come from developed countries, and most data is gathered in developed countries. Therefore, it was expectable for Wikidata to contain less data related to the Global South (Q1149903). As time goes by, the gap seems to keep growing, which would be causing a systemic bias on Wikidata. So the first question would be how to measure this gap: is it possible to have an idea of how big the problem is right now? And then, what tools do we currently have to address this problem?

A big issue could be the lower amount of data available for developing countries, in which case Wikidata cannot actually rely on third parties to gather the data. And even if data was existent, it could not be available online or even not digitised, so partnerships would have to be established (assuming data donations are not possible because of lack of funds). A feasible solution would be to engage more editors from developing countries, but what would be the best course of action to achieve that?

Overview of the session edit

Andreasmperu offered an overall picture of the availability of data in cultural and political institutions of countries of South America. Data on politicians is missing for some countries. Asaf Bartov pointed out that even when a database of policitians appear, their point of view could still be not neutral, and this should be taken into account prior to any import or collaboration.