WikiLeaks crippled by ex-associates, sources say

How about some real news for once?

Anyone who has developed a web application knows that NOTHING on the web is totally anonymous, there is always a trail.  Now, while this trail does exist, the difficult part is linking it to a single person and is where authentication comes into play.  For instance when I login to Ninjalane to post news items my website knows it's me based on my credentials.  If I wanted I could choose not to store this information or change the code so it doesn't show my name or associated information.

In the case of illegal activities a certain level of anonymity needs to be secured else you will not get many people participating in your operation.  This is the case with Wikileaks and it would seem the programmer responsible for "hiding" the source of the "leak" removed the feature from the website.

(Reuters) - WikiLeaks's ability to receive new leaks has been crippled after a disaffected programer unplugged a component which guaranteed anonymity to would-be leakers, activists and journalists who have worked with the site say.

Details of the breakdown are contained in a book by estranged Assange collaborator Daniel Domscheit-Berg which is due to be published on Friday, a source familiar with the contents of the book told Reuters.

Is anyone the least bit surprised there is a book deal associated with this?  Ya, didn't think so.

Related Web URL: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/10/us-wikil...