WikiLeaks in a hole

David Heath
Tuesday, 25 October 2011 12:56

IT Policy - Regulation

Following the launch of CableGate nearly a year ago and the seemingly acrimonious departure of a number of key team-members, WikiLeaks now finds itself in a good deal of trouble.

According to the WikiLeaks web site front page, "We are forced to temporarily suspend publishing whilst we secure our economic survival. For almost a year we have been fighting an unlawful financial blockade. We cannot allow giant US finance companies to decide how the whole world votes with its pocket. Our battles are costly. We need your support to fight back. Please donate now."

Further, WikiLeaks claims on its Banking Blockage page, "WikiLeaks has published the biggest leaks in journalistic history. This has triggered aggressive retaliation from powerful groups. Since 7th December 2010 an arbitrary and unlawful financial blockade has been imposed by Bank of America, VISA, MasterCard, PayPal and Western Union. The attack has destroyed 95% of our revenue. The blockade came into force within ten days of the launch of Cablegate as part of a concerted US-based, political attack that included vitriol by senior right wing politicians, including assassination calls against WikiLeaks staff."

Essentially, this means that the only way WikiLeaks can receive donations is by cash or cheque to its Melbourne post office box.  Not surprisingly, little is coming in.  "As a result, WikiLeaks has been running on cash reserves for the past eleven months. The blockade has cost the organization tens of millions of pounds in lost donations at a time of unprecedented operational costs resulting from publishing alliances in over 50 countries, and their inevitable counter-attacks."  In addition, WikiLeaks is embracing the modern age by accepting bitcoin and a variety of mobile phone payments.

Further information related to the fight against the banks may be found here.