During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wikipedia played a crucial role in disseminating accurate information about the virus. Volunteers worked tirelessly to update articles with the latest data and guidelines, helping to combat misinformation and provide reliable resources to the public during a global health crisis.

In 2019, Wikipedia celebrated its 18th anniversary, continuing to grow as a vital resource for free knowledge. The platform had expanded to include over 300 language editions, reflecting its global reach and commitment to providing accessible information to people around the world.

By 2017, Wikipedia had become a crucial tool in combating misinformation and fake news. Its community-driven model, emphasizing verifiability and neutrality, allowed it to serve as a reliable reference point, especially during times of widespread misinformation on social media platforms.

In 2015, Wikipedia reached another major milestone by surpassing 5 million articles in its English language version. This growth was a testament to the collaborative efforts of volunteers worldwide, making Wikipedia one of the largest and most diverse sources of information available on the internet.

On January 18, 2012, Wikipedia participated in a 24-hour blackout to protest against the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA). The blackout was intended to raise awareness about the potential censorship and negative impact these bills could have on the free and open internet.

Wikipedia celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2011, marking a decade of providing free access to knowledge. Events were held globally to commemorate this milestone, reflecting on Wikipedia's impact on education, information dissemination, and its role in promoting open access to knowledge.

In 2007, Wikipedia reached a significant milestone by surpassing 2 million articles in the English language version. This achievement highlighted the rapid growth and extensive contributions from volunteers worldwide, solidifying Wikipedia's position as one of the largest and most comprehensive information repositories on the internet.

On December 13, 2005, the scientific journal Nature published a study comparing the accuracy of Wikipedia articles to those of Encyclopaedia Britannica. The study found that Wikipedia's articles were nearly as accurate as Britannica's, which significantly boosted Wikipedia's credibility and reputation as a reliable information source.

The Wikimedia Foundation was established on June 20, 2003, as a non-profit organization to support Wikipedia and its sister projects. Its creation was aimed at ensuring the sustainability and growth of Wikipedia by providing financial and legal support, as well as promoting free knowledge globally.

Wikipedia, a free, web-based, collaborative, multilingual encyclopedia project supported by the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation, was launched on January 15, 2001. It was initiated by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger as a complementary project to Nupedia, a free online encyclopedia with articles written by experts.