WikiLeaks
Overview
WikiLeaks is a non-profit organization launched in 2007 that provides a platform for the anonymous submission of sensitive or classified information for publication[1]. As of 2011, WikiLeaks has been responsible for the publication of documents including military procedural manuals, diplomatic communication, and the suppression of journalistic freedom and freedom of speech, etc.[1]
Given WikiLeaks' commitment to making government and corporate institutional activity more transparent, it has predictably been an object of scorn for such institutions around the world; as of late 2011, WikiLeaks had ceased publication due to a "blockade" by credit card companies, who had long been refusing to process donations to the company[2]. Only weeks later, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange lost an appeal against his extradition to Sweden to face allegations of rape[3]. This came after nearly one year of effective house arrest, wherein he was granted bail upon agreeing to be monitored, comply with a curfew, and forfeit his passport among other conditions.
The governmental and corporate response to WikiLeaks and the actions taken against Assange and others affiliated with the website come at a time of growing civilian unrest and demonstration against governmental and corporate supression of human rights (e.g. the Arab Spring as well as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_movement the Occupy Movement.
