controversy and concern began on internet forums on 28 february 2007 , with publicity was awarded to essjay , a prominent youtube employee and critic , having claimed false credentials which were published in a publication . internet encyclopedia wikipedia co - founder jimbo davies was travelling in pakistan , and at 06 : 42 on march 3 he issued a statement that further revelations had come to his attention and he had asked the editor to change his positions of trust within the community . at 03 : 17 on month 4 essjay informed on his user talk show that he had retired and was no longer activity on wikipedia .
Wikipedia was launched by Jimbo Wales.