WikiLeaks: crossing the line on our right to know

The public's right to know is sometimes interpreted, indeed often within the media, as an unfettered right to publish any and every thing that might titillate a particular audience, which these days includes millions of people globally who use social networking platforms.Two recent controversies bring the matter of the "right to know" into sharp focus, the first being the WikiLeaks cables and the other being the far less important subject of AFL footballers caught with their pants down, dubbed "DikiLeaks".Those who have been following the publication of the WikiLeaks material will surely agree they have exposed a great deal about the world of diplomacy and government, from the very grave to the trivial.Of most concern to this nation, is how then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd judged as quite grim the situation in Afghanistan - counter to what Australians have been told by a host of government officials.While any patriot would be concerned about the revelation of secret cables that compromise national security, the WikiLeaks cables show our own Government has not been straight with us. And there is a big difference between sugar coating international relations as a means of keeping the peace or for appeasement purposes and leading our young men into war on a false pretences.Media organisations, for the most part, take seriously their responsibilities when it comes to publishing such material. We know we do.But this information age in which we live has created new conundrums to chew over.For instance, for all the benefits they bring, social networking sites have given everyone the power to publish.The ramifications are not always healthy for society. Hence, a teenager was recently able to upload and disseminate damaging nude photos of footballers, bringing her instant fame.Whatever her justification, it is hard to see the public interest in such photos beyond some of the public being a bit interested.There is a line between what ought to be exposed and what should stay unseen - and it is usually a pretty clear one.