Transparency

The Dogmata of Secrecy: Are we Realistic about the Facts and Impact of Massive Leaks of Classified Information?

In recent years, massive leaks of classified information enabled by the Internet have been at the core of political andmedia attention. Wikileaks and the Snowden files are well known examples. Public and political opinions show a particular black-and-white division. On the one hand there is alarm about the abuse of powers by intelligence services and on the other hand about the possible risks to national security. If we look at the fact finding side of the latter position there appears to be a vacuum. Opinion and not factual or logical proof is dominating the debate at this side.