The Assange Agenda

Gr 9 Up—This documentary attempts to explain the philosophy of Julian Assange (cofounder of WikiLeaks) regarding the publication of secret information from anonymous sources while also examining the current state of online surveillance. It is a mixture of talking-head interviews intercut with stock footage of hands typing on keyboards, people using cell phones, and shots from closed-circuit television systems. There is even footage of Assange himself speaking remotely at an Australian university. The filmmakers feature clips of interviews with Assange's lawyer, various academics, a former CIA agent, and Edward Snowden. All express skepticism about modern surveillance practices and also about the actions of Assange and WikiLeaks, emphasizing that there is no clarity when it comes to this issue. The interviews focus on how governments have increased their surveillance activities since the 9/11 attacks and explore the complications of seeking security by giving up privacy. Although made in 2013 (and the DVD released in 2016), this film feels very timely because of the news that came out during the November 2016 U.S. presidential election, specifically Assange's alleged ties to Russia and WikiLeaks' perceived meddling in the campaign.