8 Shocking Facts You Need to Know About WikiLeaks

Since bursting onto the world stage, WikiLeaks has been nothing short of explosive. From unleashing millions of classified documents to shaking the very foundations of governments, this notorious organization has ignited global firestorms and changed how we view power and secrecy. Ready to dive into the controversy? Here are eight jaw-dropping facts about WikiLeaks and its seismic impact.

1. WikiLeaks' Massive Leaks

WikiLeaks was founded in 2006 by Australia-native Julian Assange. The site uses encryption to protect its sources and has published over 10 million leaked documents. These leaks range from classified military reports to diplomatic cables, making WikiLeaks a significant player in global affairs.

2. Spotlight on the US

Though WikiLeaks has exposed secrets from governments worldwide, it has increasingly focused on the U.S. One notable release came in 2010, when WikiLeaks published diplomatic telegrams and military documents related to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, igniting debates over national security and press freedom.

3. Controversies Surrounding Assange

WikiLeaks' founder, Julian Assange, has been a polarizing figure. He spent seven years in London at the Ecuadorian embassy to avoid extradition, fearing charges related to his leaks and a rape investigation in Sweden. Although Sweden dropped the case in 2017, Assange still faced legal battles, including extradition requests from the U.S.

4. The Role of Chelsea Manning

In 2010, Chelsea Manning, a U.S. Army intelligence analyst, provided WikiLeaks with 700,000 classified documents. These included war logs, videos, and diplomatic telegrams that humiliated governments all over the world. Manning received a prison sentence for 35 years, but was released after a little over three years when her sentence was commuted by President Obama in 2017.

5. Russian Interference Allegations

WikiLeaks became embroiled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election when it published hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee. Some critics alleged that WikiLeaks worked with Russian intelligence to influence the election, although Assange has denied this claim.

6. Legal Battles Over Press Freedom

Assange's activities through WikiLeaks raised questions about the balance between freedom of the press and national security. In 2018, U.S. authorities charged him with violating the Espionage Act, triggering an ongoing legal debate over whether WikiLeaks' actions are protected under the First Amendment.

7. WikiLeaks in Popular Culture

WikiLeaks has also entered popular culture, with two films dramatizing its story: "The Fifth Estate" (2013) and the documentary "Risk" (2016). Assange even appeared on "The Simpsons" in 2012, underscoring the widespread impact of WikiLeaks on public consciousness.

8. Erratic Behavior Got Him Kicked Out of the Ecuadorian Embassy

While Assange avoided extradition for years by hiding in the Ecuadorian embassy, his asylum was revoked in 2019 due to his increasingly erratic behavior. Ecuadorian officials had grown frustrated with his actions, ultimately leading to his arrest by British police on behalf of the U.S. He was charged with violating bail conditions and sentenced to 50 weeks in prison. Following his release, Assange fought a lengthy legal battle to avoid extradition to the U.S. to face charges under the Espionage Act. In 2024, he agreed to a plea deal, under which he will return to his home country after pleading guilty to conspiring to leak classified U.S. military information.

Though WikiLeaks' legacy remains divisive, its impact on journalism and global transparency cannot be ignored.

References: Five Things to Know About WikiLeaks | The Julian Assange WikiLeaks Saga: Everything You Need to Know