Wikileaks is a non profit organization that focuses on providing general public access to information through leaks (that is breach of confidentiality) from informant sources.
Originally posted by: crazy_sunny
Some freedom of expression ? 🤔
Wikileaks is not based on freedom of expression really. It basis itself on the freedom of information, namely internet freedom and non-censorship which is actually a very controversial and not widely accepted right.
Depends on who you are and what information is being leaked. In the case of Cablegate, obviously the US government is perturbed over the implications to many of its diplomats and allies. On the other hand some countries are delighted at the information being leaked, and the exposures of some not so savory US activities.
We will have to see. There is no legal precedent for it. There are lawsuits from various countries against Wikileaks. The US is going to charge the founder with espionage. I'm going to say it is illegal. However, since this is spread across so many jurisdictions - it is going to be a very complex legal precedent.
As I said, depends on who you are and what information is being leaked.
Originally posted by: crazy_sunny
freedom and liberty ke naam per saab kuchh chalega 😛 Jai ho America !
Actually wikileaks was started by Chinese dissidents rebelling against an authoritarian government. USA is probably a country trying to press highest level legal charges against Wikileaks. Its amusing how everything gets blamed on USA, even when it is screwing over USA. Although USA does not explicitly censor the internet, US government has been a major opponent of net activism like freedom of information, anti-DRM, anti-censorship etc. The government has considered imposing minor limitations like the Australian government has.
Obviously, the world was not prepared for the power of the internet. There has been a challenge to authority every time a new mode of communication and mass media has been introduced. Newspapers, radio, television all made organizations rethink themselves because people had access to so much more information. Now the internet age.
It is a classic case of "the people should not fear the government, the government should fear the people." Clearly in the case of authoritarian powers like China, subjugated populations benefit from information. In the case of a free democracy like USA, excessive information can be detrimental. Back during Watergate, "Deep Throat" was like a leak who provided vital information exposing gross misconduct causing Nixon to resign. Who knows what these leaks will expose.
I'm sure with the legal suits as well as organizational and behavioral changes in government, we will come to terms with internet just like we did with other forms of quick information in the past.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
