Russia to create its version of Wikipedia

Russia plans to create its own “Wikipedia,” Reuter reported on Monday. The world`s largest country claims that Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, has limits in access to more detailed and reliable information.

“The creation of an alternative Wikipedia has begun,” the presidential library of Russia said in a statement on Friday. "Around 50,000 books and archive documents from 27 libraries around Russia have been handed over for the process of establishing the `alternative Wikipedia.`"

The statement also said, "Analysis of this resource showed that it is not capable of providing information about the region and life of the country in a detailed or sufficient way. It is to ensure that Russian citizens have access to more detailed and reliable information.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has branded the Internet a "CIA special project.” The Kremlin has also said it must protect its online realm from threats from the West, as ties between the Cold War-era foes have hit a new bottom over the Ukraine crisis.

Since August, bloggers in Russia with more than 3,000 followers must register with Moscow`s mass media regulatory agency. Reuters said, “It was not known whether the project might affect Russians` access to the existing Wikipedia in any way.”