Gone are the days of uncontested truth. Hegel’s thesis – antithesis – synthesis is unfolding in front of our eyes as the continued evolution of the information society unfolds. If we consider media conglomeration and state surveillance as the thesis stage of a new era of social organization, Wikileaks just might be its antithesis for the 21st century.
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If you have not visited Wikileaks, it is about time you did. Any person can post information on Wikileaks (all of which is vetted by staff), but unlike Wikipedia users do not have the ability to edit. Alive since 2007, this past year has been the most high profile for Wikileaks yet. In April 2010, it posted a highly classified video from Iraq depicting the innocent killing of civilians by coalition forces. Listed as ‘collateral’ damage in war briefing rooms, the video undressed the euphemisms of conflict.
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The video would never had made it to the public had it not been for an anonymous whistle blower who had access to the footage and posted it to the site. It is one of many high-profile stories that have been uncovered because of Wikileaks users.
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Journalists, politicians, and activists have had a field day with the leak, though intelligence officials have now identified a possible source of the anonymous leak which could jeopardize public faith in the site. The story unfolds as we speak.
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Wikileaks’ ability to defend its anonymity claims will prove the efficacy or the danger of the site to whistle blowers. And, without sounding too trite, this ‘anonymous’ site is a reminder to all of us at Digital Tattoo that even the highest levels of intelligence and security are vulnerable to their on-line identity.
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