Archive · 17 Jan 2026
UK PM's PR Firm Accused of 'Wikilaundering'
A PR firm called Portland Communications, which was started by the UK Prime Minister’s communications chief, is being accused of changing Wikipedia pages to make their clients look better.
They are said to have removed bad news and added good things about their clients, which is against Wikipedia’s rules.
The firm is linked to people who get paid to edit Wikipedia in this way.
Some of their clients are very rich and powerful people, like those from Qatar.
Wikipedia allows anyone to edit pages, but there are rules to stop people from cheating.
The firm has been caught doing this before and now uses middlemen to hide their actions.
Portland Communications, founded by UK PM’s communications chief Tim Allan, accused of 'Wikilaundering' on Wikipedia.
TBIJ investigation links the firm to 'black hat' editors who violate Wikipedia’s neutrality rules.
Allegations include removing critical reporting and adding favourable PR content for clients like Qatar.
Firm reportedly used middlemen after being previously exposed for similar practices.
Wikipedia’s rules prohibit paid edits unless disclosed and require neutrality and proper sourcing.
- Who
- Portland Communications, a PR firm founded by Tim Allan, UK Prime Minister’s communications chief
- What
- Accusations of 'Wikilaundering' by making changes to Wikipedia pages for clients
- When
- Ongoing investigation by TBIJ
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- To remove or downplay unfavourable news and add favourable PR content
- Firm Name
- Portland Communications
- Founder
- Tim Allan
- Current Role of Founder
- UK Prime Minister’s director of communications
- Accusation
- Wikilaundering
- Investigative Body
- The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ)
- Alleged Practice
- Removing critical reporting and adding favourable PR content
- Notable Clients
- Qatar, Bill Gates-funded project, Libya’s post-Gaddafi governments