Is Wikileaks leaking too much?
by nathanlook ~ December 1st, 2010. Filed under: Uncategorized.
WikiLeaks - making "freedom of information" come true
WikiLeaks, an international whistle-blowing website, is once again under fire for releasing controversial material. After releasing many correspondence logs between US State Department and embassies around the world, the US government condemned WikiLeaks, stating that the site is “not just an attack on America’s foreign policy interests, it is an attack on the international community.” On the other hand, many argue and that people have a right to know, and it is beneficial for freedom of information and democracy.
Although releasing the information is within the scope of WikiLeaks’ freedom of information rights, is it ethical? The release damages global trust, and in turn puts operatives in danger. However, the US government partially brought this debacle upon themselves, as they tried to cover up information that they had no right to hide. As well, the lost in trust between countries might have financial implications, as trading relations are strained. In order to avert future embarrassment, the US government should take steps to make their past communications more transparent so they can be the first to inform viewers and in turn have better control on managing their perceptions. WikiLeaks should also review the information they are publishing, as it is much more beneficial to keep certain information classified.