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Article

Title: U.S. using Wikipedia software for intelligence reports

Author: Miller, Greg Article Type: Product Analysis
Source: San Francisco Chronicle, pA6(1) Publication Date: Nov 1, 2006
URL of Publication: http://www.sfgate.com

The United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and other American intelligence agencies have a new computer system that uses software from the Wikipedia Internet encyclopedia website to gather input on sensitive topics from analysts across the intelligence community. The system is designed to counter problems that plagued prewar estimates concerning Iraq. The new computer system is called 'Intellipedia,' and it uses open-source software from the Wikipedia website. It is already in use, gathering intelligence reports on Nigeria and other topics, according to U.S. intelligence officials. According to Michele Weslander, senior official with oversight of the initiative for John Negroponte, director of national intelligence, the agency is trying to change the way it does business after being criticized for its handling of dissenting opinions about Iraq's alleged weapons programs. The system is not available to the public. It is divided into three categories that range from 'sensitive but unclassified' to 'top secret.' The program is still under development, according to officials, and it has not replaced existing programs and procedures that are used to create intelligence reports for the president. The system is based on software accessed by Internet users to create encyclopedia entries at Wikipedia.org.

Companies:
Wikimedia Foundation Inc

Products:
Wikipedia

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