Wikileaks and its Impact on Global Transparency
Wikileaks, an international organization well known for the publication of secret and classified information from various sources has received criticism and support across the global divide. Julian Assange, the non-profit organization’s founder, and spokesman, holds the belief that secrecy and lack of transparency is one of the elements that cover fraud and illegal activity by governments, individuals in power and even corporates (TEDGlobal, 2010). As such, open and transparent policies supported by WikiLeaks can prove to be a practical solution to global challenges including fraud and even abuse of power (Vivian).
The Role of Whistleblowing in Exposing Wrongdoing
In an article by Schultza " Harutyunyan (2015), corruption is one of the worldwide plagues that exert significant adverse implications for populations. Likewise, there are other equally sensitive issues that the public may need to know including bribery, illegal surveillance, embezzlement of organizational or government resources, illicit activities and other injustices. In a statement that seems to support the actions of Wikileaks, Thomas Jefferson, a significant contributor to the US constitution mentions that an ignorant nation will expect what has never existed and what will never exist. In this regard, whistleblowing through Wikileaks might be the only reliable and influential mechanism to expose and hopefully correct any form of wrongdoing. This is because the uncovering of secrets is suggested as one of the instruments that combat corruption effectively. Additionally, whistleblowing similar to the Wikileaks approach exposes illegal behavior and acts to the public who can seek the promotion of justice by holding the wrongdoers accountable (Schultza " Harutyunyan, 2015). These reasons support the sentiment that Wikileaks can be utilized to highlight global issues for public consumption hence facilitating the demand for justice and correcting wrongs.
National Security Implications of WikiLeaks
Without a doubt, WikiLeaks disclosure policy poses significant impacts on the national security approaches across nations. According to Nakashima (2011), the leaks which some may prove to be embarrassing are likely to prompt countries to put in place even more secure methods of data protection to prevent similar happening from occurring. Governments have also become wary of the impending threat surrounding issues that may not yield desirable outcomes when released to the public. For instance, governments may consider putting in place secrecy policies for materials not suitable for public consumption. Notably, information that may endanger national security may not be precise or accurate hence presenting the danger of civil unrest. Furthermore, since governments need confidential space during diplomatic interactions, people’s lives and welfare may be endangered by disclosure of such information. These adverse possibilities spell out difficulties in government institutions regarding maintaining national security especially for information that is too sensitive for public consumption. For example, data about terrorism, international discussions and so on may lead to unwanted public discomfort. Nations are therefore pushed to consider other approaches to enacting national security measures.
The Need for Transparency and Accountability
Despite the contention regarding the benefits and shortcomings of the openness and transparency policy proposed by Wikileaks, the maintenance of effective whistleblowing mass mediums can be considered. According to Nakashima (2011), Bradley Manning, an activist, and politicians mention that in the absence of information, the public cannot make informed decisions. As such, following the potential positive global impacts of exposing crucial information including illegal activities, corruption and abuse of power among other wrongdoing, maintaining and funding the organization is a considerable option. On top of that it is crucial to note that in the absence of transparency, accountability becomes limited. Likewise, acts against human rights may also remain hidden in the interest of influential people in government (TEDGlobal, 2010). Funding and maintaining Wikileaks or any other similar organization will go a long way in highlighting vices hence deterring wrongdoers due to fear of being exposed while also stimulating corrective measures. However, Schultza " Harutyunyan (2015), suggest that such whistleblowing entities should be overseen by a unique body to ensure handling of relevant reports of corruption, and any other wrongdoing worthy of public revelation.
References
Nakashima, E. (2011, May 8). Weighing the damage of the WikiLeaks disclosure.
Retrieved from The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/weighing-the-damage-of-the-wikileaks-disclosure/2011/05/02/AFJoBmrF_story.html?noredirect=on"utm_term=.743669d97315
Schultza, D., " Harutyunyan, K. (2015). Combating corruption: The development of whistleblowing laws in the United States, Europe, and Armenia. International Comparative Jurisprudence, 1(2), 87-97.
TEDGlobal. (2010). Why the world needs WikiLeaks. Retrieved from TEDGlobal: https://www.ted.com/talks/julian_assange_why_the_world_needs_wikileaks#t-298115
Vivian, J. (n.d.). Wikileaks: New Age of Openness? Chapter 15 (Mass Media Globalization). Retrieved from The Media of Mass Communications: https://www.thinkwave.com/secure/blogpost_file/ahBzfnRoaW5rd2F2ZTMtaHJkcisLEgZTY2hvb2wiDDE0MzE1Nzc5NzY4OQwLEgZUV0Jsb2IYgICAgNPAjQoM/
