The Power of the Internet
Wikileaks disclosure of what is really happening in Afghanistan and Iraq, may be embarrassing for those in politics, that think they know better, but it just shows the real power of the Internet.
So now if you have something important, that others might see as news, you can broadcast it with impunity and others can’t really stop you.
I am all for freedom of speech, so that if I want to say something like a certain footballer is complete rubbish, then I should have the right to say that. I have certain important topics that I want to speak out on like capital punishment, justice and injustice in certain countries, including the UK, religion, the environment etc. I feel I have the right to post on anything given that I don’t say something that is wrong, scientically incorrect, commercially sensitive or vindictive.
We will be seeing more leaks like these on the war and governments and companies, will have to get used to the fact, that some of their controversial documents will be posted by those who disagree with their policies. They will not be able to stop it!
The solution though is in their own hands.
Not by applying some draconian rules for their staff, but by performing sensible policies and actions in the first place.
As an example, let’s take the BP oil spill in the Gulf. Internal documents might show that engineers warned of the problem and suggested various actions, that were ignored by the company, their sub-contractors and government agencies. I’ve worked in factories, where such documents have existed and been ignored with fatal consequences.
A leaked document might have saved those lives.
The Anonymous Widower 
I think there is a lot of stuff brushed under carpets, there have been a couple of occasions on which I came across things I would have liked to publicise but couldnt do so contractually.
As for the leaks of war documentation, it never ceases to surprise me how historically atrocities and war crimes are only ever committed by the losing side! The leaks may well prove this to be false!
Comment by Liz P | July 28, 2010 |
Well said James!
I think wikileaks is just the beginning of this, there will be more and more sites leaking important & secret things. I think it is a good thing, may have to do with the Swedish view on free speech and freedom of the press, I’m brought up that way. However, as in all other areas Sweden is getting closer to US views and thoughts which is all good in some ways but usually not. It did make me happy to see that wikileaks is now on Swedish servers =)
Comment by Anna Martinsson | July 29, 2010 |
Points taken, Anna. I think I would always leak something that I knew was morally wrong. Except of course, when to leak would expose my source, whom perhaps had told me in confidence. I have friends who are solicitors, barristers and judges, who have told me things in confidence, that I would and could not repeat, despite the fact that I feel the law is wrong! On the other hand with one case, the barrister involved asked if they should leak their story to the press and because I said that they should, they did!
Comment by AnonW | July 29, 2010 |