Whistleblowers and the media: Friends or 'frenemies'?

Abstract

The internet has enabled the collection and dissemination of vast amounts of data and created new avenues for whistleblowers, such as Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden, to publish that data. This has created a troubled relationship between media organisations, journalists and new publishing platforms such as WikiLeaks. This article will consider the consequences for the Australian media of the Manning verdict of ‘wanton’ publication’, and how whistleblowers, journalists and sources are protected by Australian law.