My story for In These Times' July edition revealed some tactics that whistleblowers of a national security bent might have to use in case they want to remain anonymous. It appeared on the back cover, where the nonprofit that runs the magazine prints stories, not ads.
Blowing the whistle
eBay entrepreneur could make the powerful and corrupt shiver
If the stories are saying what I think they are, one of the biggest barriers to doing important journalism—heavy security protecting your sources and research—will soon be less about cobbling together your own ragtag system and more about buying into a proven solution. Let's just hope they open the source code. I'm excited about Greenwald … Continue reading eBay entrepreneur could make the powerful and corrupt shiver
A judge rules
It's not the last word, but a hint of rulings to come. Below are excerpts from the Times' story about a federal judge ruling against one NSA data-siphoning program. In a statement distributed by the journalist Glenn Greenwald, who was a recipient of leaked documents from Mr. Snowden and who wrote the first article about … Continue reading A judge rules
SecureDrop in my house? You’d never know.
I'm well on my way to the prerequisites to install SecureDrop, the new anonymous submission system for those who would receive and publish things that might endanger the sender. Originally coded by the late Aaron Swartz with help from Kevin Poulsen, the Freedom of the Press Foundation has taken up the mantle, updated the code … Continue reading SecureDrop in my house? You’d never know.
Information anarchy as naiveté?
Below I've copied an excerpt from an Esquire piece mostly about Deric Lostutter, the primary Anonymous member behind "hive justice" actions in Steubenville. I may not agree with the columnist's every sentiment. But he implies a good question: what steps need to be taken before whistleblower-type reporting—easier than ever these days—sees the light of day? … Continue reading Information anarchy as naiveté?
Brandon Smith 