WikiLeaks has long claimed that it is taking measures to protect the men and women whose identities may be exposed in leaked documents for the first time. These people include spies, sources, and the like who never thought their names would appear on the Internet in a leaked State Department document. But now, from Spiegel, one of the media outlets that has cooperated with WikiLeaks in exposing America’s secrets, we learn:
It is possible that intelligence agencies in a number of countries have already gained access to the data. “Any autocratic security service worth its salt” would have already done so, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs P.J. Crowley told news agency AP on Wednesday. Intelligence agencies that haven’t already gotten their hands on the data “will have it in short order,” he added.
By Wednesday evening Crowley’s prediction was confirmed. The “Cablegate” cables are now completely public. For many people in totalitarian states this could prove life-threatening. …
Time will tell just what impact these disclosures really have. But you can bet that would-be “informants” (as Spiegel calls them) are probably going to think twice before sharing sensitive information with State Department officials in foreign countries. After all, there are no guarantees that their identities will be protected.
Real journalism.Trusted by millions.
Unlimited access to in-depth reporting, expert analysis, and the stories that shape our country.
Already a member? Log in