Protection for the little ones and transparency for the big ones; learn what WikiLeaks is and its relevance on the web

In the age where data is more valuable than oil, individual human behavior is the greatest asset of corporations and states. See below, what is WikiLeaks , understand its relevance and the defended agenda, in addition to the remarkable actions of the site that preaches “total transparency” from governments and large corporations.

What is WikiLeaks?

WikiLeaks is a website that defines itself as a “non-profit media organization”, launched in 2006, with the aim of disseminating original documents – no matter how secret or considered national security – from anonymous sources and officials who “leaked” these documents. “secret” documents.

The site was founded by Australian Cypherpunk Julian Assange – individuals concerned with complicated cryptographic technology and the broader philosophy of anonymity, individual freedom and privacy.

Julian is an Australian citizen who has reportedly served as Wikileaks ‘ editor-in-chief and spokesperson since its founding in 2006. Prior to that, he was defined as an advisor. He has even been cited as the founder of the site – the popular imagination and the media equate him with Wikileaks itself , with uncertain accuracy, the truth is that everything is a nebulous “mystery”.

How important is WikiLeaks?

states and corporations

From its first actions, the site began to draw the attention of governments and large corporations, for the constant threat of having its “methods” of action, explained to the whole public – with the threat of “dropping masks” of those who seem “correct” , WikiLeaks has become a major thorn in the side of the previously untouchable “giants”.

Individual Users

WikiLeaks is more relevant to users with what it preaches – the cypherpunk flag – than with the site’s functions. Regarding the site, the guarantee of anonymity for those who decide to cooperate with WikiLeaks – due to the excellent encryption – is the biggest highlight.

The site, as well as its “founder”, Julian Assange , preach with their actions that large corporations and all governments adopt a posture of total transparency, due to their power and size before simple users.

On the other hand, they preach the total anonymity that comes from cryptography, for individuals, in an attempt to “balance” the disparate forces – with this, our individual and behavioral data would not be used as a profitable tool, against ourselves, ending the “control” ” and “manipulation” of individuals.

WikiLeaks’ notable actions

In late November 2010, Wikileaks began slowly releasing a large amount of information 251,287 diplomatic cables acquired from an anonymous source. 

The documents came along with the release of the “Collateral Murder” video in April 2010, and the Afghan and Iraq War records in July 2010 and October 2010 respectively, totaling 466,743 documents. 

All combined are believed to originate from a single source, US Army intelligence analyst Pfc. Bradley Manning , who was arrested in May 2010, but the information has not been confirmed. 

Does WikiLeaks dump the data on the web?

After the release of the video “Assassinato Collateral”, the site started a new way of operating, in addition to simply dumping documents on the internet. The video was a highly curated, produced and driven political statement. 

The aim was to illustrate a political point of view, not just inform. Now WikiLeaks has been working with partnerships, starting with the release of diplomatic cables.

The site has worked with a group of news organizations to analyze, write and disseminate the materials in an organized way, rather than dumping them on the Internet or using them to illustrate a unique political point of view. 

Initially, an agreement was signed with 4 giants of the press: Le Monde , El País , The Guardian and Der Spiegel , giving access to confidential documents before any disclosure to the public. The Guardian shared the material with The New York Times , just as other partnerships are currently possible. 

This is a brief summary of what WikiLeaks is and what its role is for the press, individual freedom and transparency for governments and organizations. It is important to remember that many of the “leakage” actions are considered state crimes, with those involved being arrested, living in hiding or under political asylum, WikiLeaks actions are not “mischief”.