Disinformation as a tool for digital political activism: Croatian Wikipedia and the case for critical information literacy

Purpose The article examines the exploitation of the Croatian Wikipedia (Hr.WP) as a platform for political activism and historical distortion, specifically through right-wing administrators manipulating entries. It analyses Wikipedia’s governance practices for their potential to combat disinformation and for pedagogical opportunities, particularly in enhancing critical information literacy (CIL). Design/methodology/approach The study employs a theoretical-conceptual analysis of literature on disinformation within digital media, and on Wikipedia’s role in shaping public knowledge. A case study methodology framework is used to analyse Hr.WP, combined with interviews with the key figures involved in exposing historical revisionism and the relativisation of the Second World War Ustaše crimes. Findings Wikipedia’s socially mediated verification policies, while robust in theory, can be systematically subverted when administrators act without accountability. The Hr.WP case exemplifies disinformation not only as content manipulation, but also as process manipulation weaponising neutrality and verifiability policies to suppress dissent and enforce a single ideological position. Practical implications The research highlights the need for stronger selection, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms for Wikipedia administrators, who, regardless of their volunteer status, must uphold professionalism, neutrality and transparency. It also provides suggestions for pedagogical interventions grounded in CIL. Originality/value The study offers a novel conceptualisation of disinformation in participatory knowledge systems, revealing how Wikipedia’s governance failures can enable its institutionalisation. It advances CIL as a pedagogical framework to address disinformation, beyond traditional source-based or deficit approaches.