The Independent recently sent one of their journalists (during May 2011) for a job interview with Julian Assange himself. Julian asked rather intimidating questions, including: “What would you do if you had to kill one man to save a hundred?" (Independent, 2011). The interviewee wondered if he, perhaps, was ‘glimpsing the fringes of Assange's philosophy’ (Independent, 2011).

The article defines that WikiLeaks was ‘involved in big, interesting movements – cultural shifts, imperious challenging of authority for the notion of complete transparency’ (Independent, 2011). The notion of transparency (as mentioned in previous blog entries) is something WikiLeaks holds in high regards, in fact the website itself actually states that;

‘Publishing improves transparency, and this transparency creates a better society for all people. Better scrutiny leads to reduced corruption and stronger democracies in all society’s institutions, including government, corporations and other organisations. A healthy, vibrant and inquisitive journalistic media plays a vital role in achieving these goals. We are part of that media’ (WikiLeaks, 2011)

This is how WikiLeaks defines itself; it believes that ‘transparency’ leads to a better society, a society where people are not kept in the dark about the governments decisions. Whilst, to a certain extent, I agree with this idea of transparency, I also believe that in some instances it fails to ‘reduce corruption’. With reference to previous blog entries concerning the Guantanamo Bay cables, this is one example where WikiLeaks has failed in making democracies stronger. The files released names of people detained in the prison, which meant that the prisoners could be found, and potentially put in danger by the general public.

Another factor that has negatively affected the WikiLeaks site concerns Assange and the sexual assault charges being made against him. The Independent recognised this, and wrote; ‘I suggest that Assange's profile and ego, compounded by his notorious court case, have overshadowed the work they do’ (Independent, 2011).

Obviously the site has had many triumphs and is clearly becoming more and more familiar as newer cables are released, but often it is better to look at what WikiLeaks is doing, distinct from what the press claim it is doing. 

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/a-wikileaks-job-interview-julian-will-see-you-now-2281114.html