The release of thousands of secret United States diplomatic cables last week by WikiLeaks, has created controversy around the world. On November 28, 2010, WikiLeaks began publishing 251,287 leaked U.S. embassy cables in what is being described as the largest disclosure of confidential information ever released to the public.
Confidential and Classified Material
The Office of Career Students at Columbia University has warned students against distributing or commenting on the cables via social media sties. According to the Guardian, “Engaging in these activities would call into question your ability to deal with confidential information.”
While the cables are publicly accessible, some federal departments have warned their employees not to use work computers to view the leaked documents as they remain officially classified.
During the past few days, the backlash has intensified. Several online services have discontinued services to the organization.
PayPal Pulls the Plug on WikiLeaks Donations
Online payment provider, PayPal, recently stopped accepting donations for WikiLeaks. The account used to collect WikiLeaks donations is now no longer available. According to PayPal, WikiLeaks violated its policy which prohibits services that “encourage, promote, facilitate or instruct others to engage in illegal activity.” Anyone attempting to donate money to WikiLeaks via PayPal will receive an error message stating “this recipient is currently unable to receive money.”
While PayPal plugged the plug on donations, it is still possible to make monetary donations to WikiLeaks via other means including bank transfers, online transfers using credit cards and postal mail.
Amazon Terminates Service to WikiLeaks
The move by PayPal comes just days after Amazon stopped its webhosting services to WikiLeaks server. According to Amazon Web Services (AWS), despite rumors, the service was not terminated due to government pressure or due to massive DDOS attacks. WikiLeaks was simply not following the company’s Terms of Service.
Specifically, WikiLeaks does not “own or otherwise control” the rights to its classified content. And Amazon also states that with 250,000 classified documents, it would be improbable the redactions would ensure innocent people’s safety.
About WikiLeaks
Controversial figure, Julian Assange, launched the service in 2007. Assange, was recently placed on Interpol’s wanted-person list, Red Notice, on suspicion of rape and sexual molestation charges in Sweden. Assange, currently in hiding, maintains his innocence.
WikiLeaks is comprised of a network of volunteers and lawyers from all over the world. Touted as a non-profit media organization, WikiLeak’s goal is to provide various ways for sources and journalists to leak important news and information to be published in a style similar to Wikipedia.
In an effort to share original source material and the “truth” with the public at large, WikiLeaks uses high security anonymous drop boxes with cutting edge cryptographic technologies which provide protection for the sources. Prior to publication, all news stories are verified. Besides traditional investigative journalism techniques, forensic analysis and external verification may be used as well. Since its launch, no sources have been revealed and no material has been censored.
WikiLeaks is the recipient of the 2008 Economist Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award and the 2009 Amnesty International Human Rights Report Award. According to the site, publishing improves transparency, which creates a better society for all.
At the very least, the release of thousands of cables dating from 1966 through February of this year, has sparked a world-wide dialog regarding the freedom of speech, transparency, the press and partisan politics.
Sources:
- Amazon Web Services. Last accessed December 5, 2010.
- WikiLeaks. Last accessed December 5, 2010.
- PayPal Commuinty Watercooler, Last accessed December 5, 2010.
- CNN. Sterling, Joe. “Will the U.S. Prosecute Julian Assange.” Dec. 1, 2010.
- Guardian. MacAskill, Ewen. “Columbia Students Told Job Prospsects Harmed if They Access WikiLeaks Cables.” December 5, 2010.
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway - +JaceShoemaker-Galloway is more than passionate about online safety awareness. She has devoted and dedicated over five years to Internet ...
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