"Information wants to be free" (Ludlow, 2010, para. 4).
In recent history, the posting of classified information on the website WikiLeaks has generated much controversy that might make the idea of liberating all information not the best, or the safest, idea. I am not about to debate whether or not all information should be made publicly available or defend WikiLeaks for potentially putting US service men and women overseas in danger. What is important to understand is that WikiLeaks is not a single crack in the dyke that can be plugged or eliminated. It is evidence of a larger movement.
The advent of the internet has spawned an ongoing struggle between transparency and anonymity. Holding people accountable for their internet actions can only be done if the source of posted information can be verified. On the other hand, the ability to protect the identity of the source of information on the internet is seen by many as a necessity in the battle against "big brother". WikiLeaks utilizes technology developed by the Tor project to protect a source's identity. The Tor application reroutes internet access through several levels of relays that hide the source's IP address and the IP address being posting to, making it impossible to connect the poster to the post or the emailer to the email. In fact, according to Nathaniel (2010), the developers of Tor have been contracted by the US government to ensure their intelligence activities are not compromised.
So this technology isn't all bad. As is the case with ANY technology, it can be used for good or evil. The problem lies with the intent of the users. Shutting down WikiLeaks and its developers will not remove the threat of exposed classified information. In fact, the last couple of days have seen the WikiLeaks website relocated due to a denial of service attack. If information wants to be free, it will find a way.
Ludlow, Peter. (10/4/2010). WikiLeaks and Activist Culture. Nation, Vol. 291, Issue 14.
Nathaniel, Rich. (9/2/2010). The most dangerous man in cyberspace. Roling Stone, Issue 1112.
2 comments:
Chris,
I find it worrisome that an organization like WikiLeaks can shut down whole sites like they have over the past couple of weeks.
It is a bit scary but you are right about information and the freedom to have it available.
Yvonne H.
I agree that information will get out if someone really wants to get it out there. This goes back to our second week and if this is ethical or not. Personally I don't feel that this information needs to come out and I find it very unethical that Wikileak followers are shutting down websites and credit card companies.
Post a Comment