In this course we consider the value of both gathering and protecting information, as well as sharing it with others (aka disseminate when done so deliberately). In the digital world, the relative ease with which we may access information and vast troves of data raise significant questions that impact the individual and society, and even our national security. Freedom, trustworthiness of sources and methods, national security concerns and privacy interests also come into play. Issues arise that may demand an intricate balancing of sometimes competing interests. With these and other considerations in mind, watch the video below (yes, it’s dated, but the issues survive) and answer the following related questions in an informed manner. It will help to review module 5 too and other credible and relevant sources. Cite any outside sources – and outside sources are recommended!
Question 1: What are some important reasons to a) support or b) oppose his Julian Assange’s position in defending the work and mission of Wikileaks?
Question 2: In your opinion, is Assange a hero, a criminal or both, or neither? Why?
Question 1: What are some important reasons to a) support or b) oppose Julian Assange’s position in defending the work and mission of Wikileaks?
Referencing the TED talk, there are significant reasons to support Julian Assange’s position. First, WikiLeaks intends to uncover information that pertains to crimes that are being kept secret, not just information in general. An example of this was the Baghdad video, which showed U.S. soldiers shooting at innocent Baghdad civilians and U.S. reporters, some laughing about as they did so, and utilizing excessive force. As mentioned by Assange, the purpose was about “changing the perception of the people paying for it all,” not for the civilians who already experienced the conflict daily.
Secondly, WikiLeaks whistleblowing is a valuable tool that can force positive change within governments and companies, due to the public being given a more holistic understanding of things that are occurring behind the scenes and forcing sectors to face their problems. Some examples like the Kroll report, the Albanian well blowouts, and the WikiLeaks report on Iceland’s financial crisis show this in different forms. Whether it be the public making more informed choices, companies contacting WikiLeaks about problems they are involved in, or new legislation being put in place for more freedom of the press, these kinds of changes are beneficial by mitigating crimes and outputting information that can make a difference.
Third, while it only works to an extent, I would argue that citizens of any nation have a right to know about crime-related information that is tied to their way of life or perception of the sectors they exist within so they can make informed choices. This can include information within politics, conflicts between nations, the companies people buy products from, and the sectors people work in. For WikiLeaks to be a platform that can provide that extra context, that is worth its continuation.
Question 2: In your opinion, is Assange a hero, a criminal or both, or neither? Why?
Personally, I see Assange as a hero for the information that WikiLeaks has uncovered. To me, it shows that accountability and transparency are things that will be held no matter how powerful an entity, and that positive change can come from that. Furthermore, with how freedom of the press has always remained a critical tool for people to remain informed on different issues in the world, the effort of WikiLeaks and by extension Assange, is inspiring as a source of information that focuses on criminal activity intentionally hidden from the public. WikiLeaks as a platform and other similar platforms have paved the way for being another method of holding guilty entities responsible for their actions, and for this I see Assange as a hero for the dedication he has had to that mission.