Wikipedia Relaxes Editing Rules on Touchy Topics

Wikipedia is set to open up its most controversial articles for anonymous editing, rolling back locks that have kept topics like "George W. Bush," "Britney Spears" and even "homework" closed off from newcomers for years. The new system, called "pending changes," will make proposed changes visible immediately but also forward them to a reviewing editor for final publication in the entry, the BBC reports.

Founder Jimmy Wales says the new system will allow the site "to open up articles for general editing that have been protected or semi-protected for years. That's what is exciting about this." The changes take effect at 11pm GMT tonight. "Semi-protection has prevented thoughtful and sincere newcomers from making good changes," says Wales. (More Wikipedia stories.)