The recent furore around Wikileaks is just the latest demonstration of the tremendous impact that social media tools and online collaboration have had on our society.

I believe that the idea of Wikileaks is a good one - to keep governments accountable. An interesting post I read on one blog
"If 'responsible journalists' were doing their job, then WikiLeaks would be just another source. It's the vacuum created by media consolidation that has elevated WikiLeaks. Nothing more."

Have they gone to far this time.Should they set limits as to what they put online? I'm still not sure where the line should be drawn. What do you think?

It is curious that in an age where main stream media is increasingly consolidated and controlled, that social media should arrive. For the last 50 years we were extreme consumers of media. We sat for hours in front of the TV being talked to. The last decade has seen a major shift take hold, we now not only consume, but  spend more and more time creating and contributing to media. People have the tools and the ability to connect and share as never before. It doesn't matter if its picture from a night out with friends  or confidential government information, people have the abilty to share it. If its of interest to others it will spread.

Wikileaks will probably be shut down. I'm betting a new service will quickly step into its place. (Remember Napster and then Kazaa and then bittorrent etc etc) People want to know the truth and it is increasingly difficult to hide it. Whether one thinks its right or wrong to maintain diplomat or goverment secrets is another debate. What is clear is that the truth will be revealed much more easily and quicker than before which means Big Goverment needs to change its behaviour. Todays society is forcing it to become more accountable and open.

Do you agree?