Celebrating WikiLeaks Decade with 10 Weeks of Document Releases on Google and US Elections

Celebrating their 10th anniversary, WikiLeaks is gearing up to stir the media landscape and there’s no need to say hurray, unless of course, you want to. Born out of the ambitious mind of Julian Assange, this globally-renowned organization has, in a span of a decade, published a staggering multitude of government materials; more than the entire media industry put together, quite an achievement in its own right.

Established in 2006, WikiLeaks has since released over 10 million documents and a mammoth 10 billion words to the world. To offer a tangible perspective on this immense achievement, printing all these documents would result in a stack reaching the core of the earth and extending out the other side, if WikiLeaks is to be believed.

However, the anniversary festivities seem to be playing second fiddle to another major announcement. Assange has promised a 10-week run of new leaks starting from today, with the focus on Google and the upcoming US elections. Furthermore, he assured the public that all material relevant to the US elections would be in the public domain before Americans go to the polls on the 8th of November to choose their next leader.

We can expect these releases over the next ten weeks to not just revolve around Google and the US elections, but to cover a broad amalgam of topics, ranging from military affairs to mass surveillance and beyond. The question arises, what new revelations could be worse than the shocking disclosures made by Edward Snowden in 2013? Only time will tell.

Critics have had a field day in the past with WikiLeaks, accusing it of breaching ethical boundaries by revealing confidential documents of the American Democratic National Committee (DNC). Accusations that the site was used by Russia as an information warfare tool, to tip the scales of the Presidential elections in favor of Donald Trump, have also been laid against this international non-profit organization.

Marking its anniversary, it’s worthwhile to mention that the WikiLeaks domain was registered on October 4, 2006, and its first document came to light on December 28th of the same year. Ever since its inception, the transparency advocate group and its founder have been at the center of global attention, and controversy.

Assange, the man behind this cyclone of transparency and truth, faces sexual assault charges in Sweden and has sought shelter at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. His refusal to surrender to Swedish authorities arises from fear of extradition to the United States—the perceived consequence of which is a protracted trial that could put him behind bars for life.

A UN panel on human rights has called for his release, which seems improbable given the apparent deaf ear turned by major powers to such calls, especially when they claim their national interests are at stake. Assange argues the likelihood of his receiving a fair trial in such nations is negligible.

As for Google, there is speculation that WikiLeaks could reveal incriminating evidence of illegal business practices, or worse, collaboration with the American government for spying on users. However, as the leaks continue to unravel, one can expect a volley of denials and counter-denials, leaving the public to discern the truth amidst this digital debate.