Technology and Its Effects on Classified Information Leaks

This project compares the release of information through the mediums of print, television and Internet technology in regards to classified information leaks. Using the Pentagon Papers, Iran-Contra, Abu Ghraib and Afghan War Diary scandals as case studies, I find that technology has increased the volume of leak coverage but had no effect on the speed in which information was released. Each media outlet also showed unique patterns of coverage distribution: print had consistent coverage, television had scattered spikes in coverage, and the web had high initial coverage that faded away quickly. Qualitative analysis highlighted the changing nature of framing in the articles pertaining to the leak throughout the case studies and the increase in the use of technology by the leaker to achieve greater anonymity. Policy changes as result of the leak of information have addressed the content of the leak but the not the leaks themselves.