Question

Exercises 28-55 are problems or shortanswer questions. What is WikiLeaks? Is it a wiki?

Short answer

WikiLeaks is an organization that publishes restricted information but is not a wiki.

Step-by-step solution

Define WikiLeaks

WikiLeaks is a non-profit organization that publishes classified, censored, or otherwise restricted information provided by anonymous sources. It was founded in 2006 by Australian activist Julian Assange and has gained prominence for releasing large datasets of classified government and institutional documents.

Understand the Term 'Wiki'

A 'wiki' is a collaborative website that allows users to create, add, modify, or delete content using a web browser. The term originates from the Hawaiian word 'wikiwiki,' meaning 'quick.' Wikis are known for their collaborative and open-editing environment, like Wikipedia.

Determine If WikiLeaks is a Wiki

Despite the name, WikiLeaks is not a wiki. While it allows anonymous sources to submit documents for review, it does not allow open editing or modifications by the general public like traditional wikis. Instead, content is published and managed by a team of editors.

Key concepts

Non-Profit Organization

WikiLeaks is a non-profit organization, meaning it operates without the primary aim of generating profit for owners or shareholders. Its mission is often focused on public service, rather than making money. WikiLeaks aims to promote freedom of information and transparency in governmental and institutional operations.
This typically differs from for-profit entities, which aim to make profits for their owners. Non-profits like WikiLeaks rely on donations and grants to fund their activities, allowing them to focus on their mission-driven goals.
They are usually tax-exempt, a status that helps them allocate more resources toward their mission. In the case of WikiLeaks, this mission encompasses the broad distribution of suppressed or censored information.

Classified Information

Classified information refers to data that a government or institution deems sensitive for national security or privacy reasons, restricting its access to authorized personnel only. WikiLeaks gained notoriety for releasing vast quantities of classified information. These documents often shed light on governmental activities that might otherwise be hidden from the public eye.
Releasing classified information can have significant consequences, both beneficial and detrimental. On the one hand, it can promote accountability and transparency, helping the public understand governmental affairs better.
On the other hand, unauthorized disclosure can comprise national security or the privacy of individuals, leading to legal and ethical challenges. WikiLeaks navigates this complex realm, aiming to balance disclosure with responsibility.

Julian Assange

Julian Assange is the founder of WikiLeaks, born in Australia in 1971. He is an activist who has been a key figure in promoting transparency and freedom of information. Assange's influence has been felt globally, as WikiLeaks has played a pivotal role in disclosing high-profile classified documents.
His work has made him a controversial figure, with supporters praising his commitment to uncovering the truth and detractors condemning him for risking national security. Assange's choices have led to legal challenges, making him a subject of ongoing international legal battles.
Despite the controversies, Assange remains an icon for many in the fight for freedom of information. His impact on digital activism and journalism continues to influence discussions about the rights of individuals and the accountability of authorities.

Collaborative Websites

Collaborative websites, or wikis, are online platforms that allow users to collectively create and edit content. WikiLeaks includes 'wiki' in its name but it is not a collaborative website in the traditional sense.
True collaborative websites, such as Wikipedia, enable users to openly edit and update content. They are built around the idea of shared knowledge and communal input. These platforms thrive on user engagement and the collective wisdom of many contributors.
In contrast, WikiLeaks is controlled by a team of editors. While it opens its doors to anonymous sources to provide information, it does not allow the public to modify the content. This distinction makes WikiLeaks fundamentally different from the collaborative wikis it is often mistakenly associated with.