I've been occasionally following Wikileaks since 2007 when I first read about it on reddit.com. The site has sinced drawn my attention for it's leaked documents and videos.
After viewing the TED video from a few weeks ago I was amazed at the amount of work that goes behind this rogue organization. After further research, I learned the following:
- Servers are based in Sweden at a facility that knows little to nothing about its clientel.
- Military grade encryption is used to protect sources (which was recently re-engineered)
- The TOR network is used to increase protection and security of submitters.
- The site has had funding problems with the latest increase of publicity.
In all, this is one interesting organization. And I think the world needs WikiLeaks.
Documents released 7/25/2010
I became aware a few hours ago that the latest "big" document has been released. Over 70,000 accounts of violence are in the document which is available in excel format.
I work as a software engineer at a financial firm that does heavy analysis and calculations on massive amounts of data. With these skills I was able to analyze the data (which contained over 70,000 records).
This what I found out:
- 50,887+ were "enemy" related.
- 26,826 contained the word "IED" or Improvised Explosive Device
- 23,082 were explosive related.
- 13,882+ incidents were "friend" related.
- 1144 contain the word "children" (I did not go as far as find out what exactly happened.)
- 787 contain the word "suicide"
- 279 contained "citizen"
- 500+ contained "dead"
The header is missing from the document, most likely to protect security of the operation overseas. Some of the columns are obvious as to what they are/mean. The document contains comments, latitude and longitude of incidents and much more.
I think this document shows the world that there are MANY more incidents occurring than what you hear on CNN. With over 70,000 incidents, this document overshadows the hundred or so that make the headlines. I just hope nothing is released that endangers anyone.
I think WikiLeaks may make the world a better place. Only time will tell.
