What is WikiLeaks? – Definition from WhatIs.com

WikiLeaks is an independent, non-profit online media organization that publishes submissions of otherwise unavailable documents from anonymous sources. The WikiLeaks website was launched in 2006 by the Sunshine Press. Within a year of its launch, the site claimed a database that had grown to more than 1.2 million documents.

The organizations self-stated mandate explains Our primary interests are oppressive regimes in Asia, the former Soviet bloc, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, but we also expect to be of assistance to those in the west who wish to reveal unethical behavior in their own governments and corporations.

WikiLeaks releases include:

WikiLeaks was originally a true wiki, allowing any user to add or edit content but the site now follows a more traditional publishing model. The site accepts submissions of restricted or censored material of political, ethical, diplomatic or historical significance. Submissions are vetted by a group of WikiLeaks staff members and volunteers from mainstream news media. A WikiLeaks writer creates copy for the site and links to the submitted document. The identity of the source is protected.

Proponents of WikiLeaks praise the organization, among other things, for its promotion of free speech, transparency and open information. Critics of WikiLeaks assert, among other things, that documents may have been acquired illegally and also may be published without adequate fact-checking.

Julian Assange, an Internet activist and hacker, is WikiLeaks spokesperson. Public opinion of Assange, like that of the organization itself, is divided.

Learn more:

A BBC News article on WikiLeaks: Welcome to a new age of whistle-blowing.

On TED.com, Julian Assange explains why the world needs WikiLeaks.

Declan McCullagh reports on criticism of WikiLeaks.

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What is WikiLeaks? - Definition from WhatIs.com