The Methods of Information Acquisition by WikiLeaks

WikiLeaks is a non-profit organization that publishes news leaks and classified media files provided by anonymous sources. This article will explore the different methods WikiLeaks uses to acquire confidential information, including whistleblowers, public submissions, investigative journalism, hacking, and international collaborations.

Whistleblowers

One of the primary methods WikiLeaks uses to obtain confidential information is through whistleblowers. Whistleblowers are individuals within organizations such as governments and corporations who leak documents or data to WikiLeaks. These individuals often aim to expose wrongdoing, corruption, or human rights abuses. WikiLeaks prioritizes the protection of its sources and employs various technologies to ensure anonymity and security for those who provide information.

Submissions from the Public

WikiLeaks has established secure platforms that allow individuals to submit documents anonymously. This can include leaked reports, emails, or other confidential materials. The organization ensures complete confidentiality by not recording any source identifying information. The submissions are routed via Belgium and Sweden, ensuring that they benefit from the journalist-source shielded laws present in these countries.

Investigative Journalism

WikiLeaks often collaborates with investigative journalists and media organizations that have their own sources of confidential information. Together, they work to uncover and expose wrongdoing. This collaboration helps to increase the credibility and impact of the information published by WikiLeaks.

Hacking

Hacktivism, or using hacking tactics for political or social causes, is another area where WikiLeaks has been associated. In some cases, WikiLeaks has been linked to hacking operations that target government or corporate systems to obtain sensitive information. However, it is less publicly emphasized compared to the whistleblower model.

International Collaborations

WikiLeaks collaborates with other organizations and collectives that share similar goals of transparency and accountability. These collaborations help in pooling resources and information to achieve their objectives.

Security and Privacy Measures

Accredited journalists handle all sources, and submissions are routed through secure channels to Belgium and Sweden for further protection. WikiLeaks places a high priority on the security of its sources and employs various technologies to ensure anonymity. The organization records no source-identifying information and offers multiple submission mechanisms to deal with even the most sensitive national security information.

Controversies and Allegations

The methods WikiLeaks uses to acquire information have been the subject of controversy. For example, WikiLeaks has been accused of acting in ways that harm U.S. interests. A notable instance is the release of documents related to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and emails from John Podesta. These materials were released to secure wider distribution and were obtained from Russian government hackers. WikiLeaks did not disclose the origin of these materials, and it is unclear to what extent they were manipulated or altered.

A report from the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence also revealed an ongoing strategic support from Russia for WikiLeaks. The Russian government has pursued a relationship with Julian Assange and WikiLeaks that includes formal partnerships with state-owned media platforms, government assistance for WikiLeaks associates, and information sharing. This relationship has existed since at least 2012 and reflects an alignment between the Russian government and WikiLeaks in seeking to undermine U.S. institutions and security.

RT, a Russian state-controlled media platform, has provided both beneficial coverage of WikiLeaks and a formal compensated media platform for Assange. This alliance is part of Russia's overall strategy to use its state-controlled media to undermine U.S. democratic institutions.