MEDIA RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE FUTURE OF WHISTLEBLOWING
The Media Direct has announced today the opening of a new online service
designed to securely connect whistleblowers and journalists.
“We live in an age where whistleblowers are more important than ever, but
in which the technology used to blow the whistle has not kept pace with
the technology used to stifle transparency,” said Luke McMahon, the
Australian co-ordinator of the project.
Created in collaboration between Australian information activists and
programmers from GlobaLeaks, The Media Direct uses a multi-tiered security
system which allows whistleblowers to deposit information in a secure
dropbox via the TOR network, where it can then be accessed by the Media
Direct journalist of their choice. These journalists are categorised by
area of interest, in order for the whistleblower to direct their
information to the most relevant party.
Initial participants in the service include Crikey/New Matilda editor
Marni Cordell, Crikey political editor Bernard Keane, award-winning
investigative journalist Richard Baker from Fairfax, and The Australian’s
Higher Education reporter Andrew Trounson.
“You only need to look at the ICAC proceedings in New South Wales to see
the benefit that comes to society from letting the sun shine in on
undemocratic and criminal behaviour,” said McMahon, “it’s our hope that
Media Direct will provide confidence to ordinary people wanting to expose
information that is in the public interest.”
MediaDirect’s website can be found at: https://www.mediadirect.org
