Controversy surrounding WikiLeaks focuses on three issues: the motives and behavior of Mr. Julian Assange, the man behind the website; the damage done to U.S. diplomatic interests and the embarrassment to foreign leaders; and the prospects for securing information in a wired world. A close examination suggests that the real threat posed by WikiLeaks is not what it does, but what governments may do in reaction to it.
WikiLeaks was launched in 2006 as a website devoted to "exposing oppressive regimes in Asia, the former Soviet bloc, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East" and "unethical behavior" by governments and corporations. Within a year, over 1 million documents were uploaded to it for publication. It did not make headlines, however: In December 2009, the website temporarily shut down because of a lack of funds. Three months later, it resumed operations saying its minimum fundraising goal had been reached.
WikiLeaks gained worldwide attention in April 2010 when it posted classified video of a 2007 U.S. military helicopter airstrike in Baghdad in which journalists and civilians were killed. Three months later, the release of 92,000 documents related to the U.S. war in Afghanistan from 2004-2009 generated more controversy. The latest document dump consists of over 250,000 U.S. diplomatic cables and has provided fodder for offense and fascination for almost every nation and its leaders.
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