Website: www.wikileaks.org
WikiLeaks, also known as WikiLeaks, is an international non-profit media organization founded in December 2006 by Australian internet activist Julian Paul Assange and operated by The Sunshine Press. WikiLeaks' mission is to publish documents leaked from anonymous sources and online, particularly confidential documents involving governments, corporations, and other organizations. Since its inception, WikiLeaks has generated widespread attention and controversy globally through the release of numerous such confidential documents.
Background of the founding of WikiLeaks
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, is a computer programmer, journalist, and internet activist. He rose to prominence early in his career in the Australian computer field and is known for his expertise in cybersecurity and encryption. Assange has a strong belief in freedom of information and transparency, believing that the public has the right to know about misconduct by governments and corporations. It is based on this belief that he decided to create a platform that allows those who dare to reveal the truth to anonymously publish sensitive information without fear of retaliation.
In December 2006, WikiLeaks officially launched. The website's initial goal was to protect the anonymity of sources through technical means and ensure that leaked documents could quickly reach the public. WikiLeaks operates similarly to Wikipedia; anyone can submit documents, but the WikiLeaks team reviews and verifies these documents to ensure their authenticity and importance.
How WikiLeaks works
WikiLeaks operates based on the following core principles:
- Anonymity : WikiLeaks uses advanced encryption techniques to protect the identity of its sources. Users submitting files can communicate with WikiLeaks using anonymity tools such as the Tor network, ensuring their identities are not compromised.
- Transparency : WikiLeaks aims to increase transparency for governments and businesses. By releasing classified documents, WikiLeaks holds these institutions accountable for their actions and encourages public oversight.
- Independence : WikiLeaks is a non-profit organization that does not accept funding from any government or corporation. Its operating funds primarily come from individual donations and crowdfunding to ensure its independence and impartiality.
WikiLeaks' team comprises journalists, technologists, and legal experts from around the world. They are responsible for reviewing submitted documents, ensuring their authenticity and importance, and then publishing them on the WikiLeaks website. The website has a clean and user-friendly design, allowing users to easily browse and download documents. Furthermore, WikiLeaks collaborates with other media outlets to translate important documents into multiple languages and report on them globally.
Important events in WikiLeaks
Since its inception, WikiLeaks has released many highly influential documents, sparking widespread attention and controversy worldwide. Here are some of the key events involving WikiLeaks:
1. Iraq War Diary
In 2010, WikiLeaks released a series of documents known as the "Iraq War Logs," containing over 390,000 classified documents related to the Iraq War. These documents detailed U.S. military operations in Iraq, including civilian casualties, prisoner abuse, and other war crimes. The release of the Iraq War Logs sparked a strong global reaction, with many calling for an investigation into the actions of the U.S. military.
2. Diary of the Afghan War
In the same year, WikiLeaks also released the "Afghan War Diaries," which contained over 75,000 classified documents related to the war in Afghanistan. These documents revealed U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, including civilian casualties, covert operations, and other previously unknown incidents. The release of the Afghan War Diaries further fueled public skepticism about the U.S. war in Afghanistan.
3. U.S. diplomatic cables
In November 2010, WikiLeaks began releasing a collection of documents known as "US Diplomatic Cables," containing over 250,000 classified cables from the US State Department. These cables concerned US diplomatic relations with other countries, including assessments of world leaders, secret negotiations, and other sensitive information. The release of the US Diplomatic Cables triggered a global diplomatic crisis, with many countries expressing dissatisfaction with the US action and demanding an explanation.
4. Hillary Clinton's emails
During the 2016 US presidential election, WikiLeaks released a large number of emails from Hillary Clinton's campaign team. These emails revealed the inner workings of Clinton's campaign, including relationships with the media, campaign strategies, and other sensitive information. The release of Clinton's emails sparked widespread controversy and had a significant impact on the US election.
WikiLeaks Controversy and Challenges
Despite the widespread attention WikiLeaks has garnered globally, its operational methods and published content have also sparked considerable controversy and challenges. Here are some of the main issues facing WikiLeaks:
1. Legal Issues
WikiLeaks' releases are considered illegal in many countries. The U.S. government and other countries have taken legal action against WikiLeaks in an attempt to stop its release of classified documents and hold it accountable. In 2010, the U.S. government issued an arrest warrant for Julian Assange, accusing him of violating the Espionage Act. Assange was subsequently arrested in the UK and faces extradition to the United States.
2. Ethical Issues
WikiLeaks' release of classified documents has also sparked ethical controversy. Some argue that by publishing these documents, WikiLeaks could endanger national security and even threaten the lives of innocent civilians. For example, the release of the Iraq War Diaries and the Afghanistan War Diaries could potentially put US soldiers and civilians in greater danger.
3. Sources of Funding
The source of WikiLeaks' funding has also sparked some controversy. Although WikiLeaks claims it does not accept funding from any government or corporation, its funding sources remain opaque. Some suspect that WikiLeaks may receive secret funding from countries or organizations to influence its content releases.
4. Internal conflicts
Some internal conflicts also arose within WikiLeaks. In 2016, some former WikiLeaks members publicly criticized Julian Assange's leadership style, arguing that he was too autocratic and neglected other team members. These internal conflicts had a certain impact on the operation of WikiLeaks.
The impact of WikiLeaks
Despite numerous controversies and challenges, WikiLeaks has had a profound impact globally. Here are some of WikiLeaks' major influences:
1. Increase transparency
By releasing classified documents, WikiLeaks has forced governments and corporations to be accountable for their actions and increased transparency. Under pressure from WikiLeaks, many countries have been forced to release previously confidential documents and explain their actions.
2. Promote press freedom
WikiLeaks' releases also promoted the development of press freedom. Many media outlets began to emulate WikiLeaks' approach, exposing governments and corporations by publishing classified documents.
