Facebook Search Results Now Include Wikipedia Knowledge Panels

Facebook users are starting to see panels of information on Wikipedia in search results, close to what Google has been doing it for years.

According to reports from multiple users , Facebook seems to be testing the addition of Wikipedia knowledge panels into search results.

This feature, based on screenshots shared on Twitter, is reminiscent of Google's integration with Wikipedia.

Here's an example spotted a couple of days ago:

The Wikipedia information box in Facebook search displays key info about the person being searched for, much as in Google's search results.

You'll also note a lone Instagram link, which contrasts dramatically with Google's search results that have ties to all common social media profiles.

Unlike the information panels on Google, which connect to a variety of sites where people can learn more about an individual, Facebook is trying to keep users as much as possible within the Facebook ecosystem.

Here's another example with similar looks:

I can reproduce these boxes of information in Facebook quest, and can confirm that all connections hold users on Facebook.

For example, if you click on an entity under "See Also," Facebook will load that entity with another collection of search results as the new query.

It is unclear how broadly this functionality is currently being rolled out, although Facebook confirms to TechCrunch that it is still in the pilot stage.

The pilot software currently runs on the iOS, desktop , and mobile platform in English.

Data regarding public figures, sites, and special interests is collected from publicly accessible data, like Wikipedia.

Why Now,

Why Facebook now decides to include Wikipedia snippets in search results is a guess for anyone, although the timing is suspicious.

Why do you suspect timing? Because in recent weeks Facebook has been heavily criticized for its policy on fact-checking.

So there are some checks and balances, but the addition of Wikipedia knowledge panels is unlikely to be enough to silence the critics of Facebook’s policies.

Although it may be enough to keep people somewhat informed about hot button issues such as 5G, coronavirus, and other topics that are often the target of misinformation campaigns.

About the Author :

Mayur Sahni is a consultant for Softhics Digital on content and social media marketing. He has been interested primarily by chance in digital marketing, and has spent the last few years learning about developing online relationships with customers through the various platforms open to those who are willing to engage. He's loathe thinking about himself in the third person but can be convinced from time to time to do so.