WikiLeaks FAQ

Is there proof of a U.S. investigation into WikiLeaks?
Have WikiLeaks releases ever harmed or killed anyone?
Why does WikiLeaks only release documents about the U.S.?
Why doesn’t WikiLeaks just release everything at once?
Why hasn’t WikiLeaks released X?
Is it illegal to donate to WikiLeaks?
Why is WikiLeaks able to receive donations if there’s a banking blockade?
What does WikiLeaks use its finances on?

Is there proof of a U.S. investigation into WikiLeaks?

The ongoing U.S. investigation into WikiLeaks is confirmed through documents, statements from government officials, and subpoenas issued on related individuals.

Most recently, the investigation was confirmed in a document related to the WikiLeaks-Twitter subpoena case, which stated, “For reasons stated in the memorandum of the United States, unsealing of the documents at this time would damage an ongoing criminal investigation.”

Prior to that, in June 2012 U.S. Justice Department spokesman Dean Boyd stated that, “There continues to be an investigation into the WikiLeaks matter.”

A full background of the ongoing investigation is available here.

Have WikiLeaks releases ever harmed or killed anyone?

Despite speculation that WikiLeaks releases would lead to the harm of individuals, there is absolutely no evidence that a single person has ever been physically harmed due to a WikiLeaks release according to the Pentagon and the State Department.

Why does WikiLeaks only release documents about the U.S.?

While their most publicized releases have been from the U.S., WikiLeaks has released documents on many countries, including Syria, Kenya, Australia, and others.

WikiLeaks is a passive recipient of information. They do not choose the information that is sent to them. Their website states, “we accept (but do not solicit) anonymous sources of information”.

Why doesn’t WikiLeaks just release everything at once?

WikiLeaks aims for maximum political impact with the information it releases. This includes working with many other media organizations in order to find and present the most important stories.

WikiLeaks also must take time to verify the authenticity of documents, and go through a harm minimization process to help prevent innocent people from being harmed.

Why hasn’t WikiLeaks released X?

WikiLeaks is a passive recipient of information. It is likely they have not released certain information merely because they do not have it.

In regard to previously announced releases, such as the Bank of America documents, a large amount of WikiLeaks’ documents were stolen and destroyed by Daniel Domscheit-Berg, a former WikiLeaks employee who was suspended in 2010.

Is it illegal to donate to WikiLeaks?

No. Although WikiLeaks has been financially blockaded by Bank of America, VISA, MasterCard, PayPal and Western Union, it is not illegal to donate to them. The U.S. Treasury stated that WikiLeaks does not meet the criteria to be financially blacklisted.

If you have privacy concerns, you can donate to WikiLeaks via the Freedom of the Press Foundation.

Why is WikiLeaks able to receive donations if there’s a banking blockade?

Since late 2010, WikiLeaks has been financially blockaded by Bank of America, VISA, MasterCard, PayPal and Western Union. It is only recently that they are able to accept donations via credit card and PayPal. This is thanks to two initiatives:

The first is through the French credit card system, Carte Bleue. VISA and MasterCard are contractually barred from directly cutting off merchants through the Carte Bleue system.

The second is through the Freedom of the Press Foundation, a U.S. non-profit organization established to allow donations to transparency and accountability groups such as WikiLeaks.

Because of these initiatives, supporters are able to donate to WikiLeaks, despite the banking blockade still being in effect.

What does WikiLeaks use its finances on?

The Wau Holland Foundation published a 2011 transparency report which breaks down WikiLeaks’ expenses into infrastructure, campaigns, logistics, legal advice, and administration. You can view the report for a detailed explanation of what these categories entail, and how much is spent on each.

Alternatively, you catch watch WikiLeaks’ MasterCard Parody video, which gives an idea of how much money is spent on different aspects of the organization.