How does Wikipedia define a reliable source?

Reliable sources are publications with editorial oversight, a reputation for accuracy, and independence from the subject being covered. This typically includes professionally edited publications such as major newspapers, books from reputable publishers, and well-established news sites on the Web. Peer-reviewed academic journals are considered the gold standard for reliability, but are often not relevant for company- or brand-related topics.

Reliability depends not just on the outlet, but also on the specific article and how it's used. Even a generally trusted publication may not be appropriate if the content is written by a guest contributor, promotionally inclined, or too brief to support a claim.

Sources that lack editorial control—press releases, company blogs, personal websites, and social media posts—are generally not accepted for supporting facts in Wikipedia articles. These may still be cited for limited uses (like verifying employee headcount), but they cannot establish notability or verify claims that require independent validation.

For more information, please consult our Policy Guide on understanding reliable sources.

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Why do independent sources matter more than company materials?