To think we ran a story about this a few days ago. (Read it here.) For reasons unexplained, the German author of the sensational/opportunistic ebook about the currently brewing Wikileaks war has vanished from Amazon’s shelves.
But matters aren’t as straight cut as they seem, with a minor conspiracy surfacing about the exact circumstances of the ebook’s sudden pullout. What’s really odd about this bit of news is a spokesperson from Amazon clarified that it wasn’t them who pulled the ebook, though they did publicly deny Wikileaks the use of their servers awhile back.
The Controversy Surrounding the Ebook
In fact, the “Wikileaks Documents Expose US Foreign Policy Conspiracies” ebook itself is a bit misleading since its content is more of a commentary on Wikileaks than a compilation of classified documents, which its title implied. Author Heinz Duthel claimed that he removed the book himself after receiving threats. This raises questions about the nature of these threats and who might be behind them. Were they from individuals or groups who felt threatened by the content of the ebook, or were they from entities with vested interests in the information being suppressed?
The absence of the ebook hasn’t exactly kept Amazon safe from further controversy since it was targeted by Operation Payback. Operation Payback is a coordinated cyber-attack campaign by the Anonymous hacker collective, which has targeted various organizations perceived to be acting against Wikileaks. Amazon’s involvement in this controversy highlights the complex interplay between digital platforms, freedom of speech, and the power of collective action in the digital age.
Amazon’s Role and the Broader Implications
Amazon’s role in this saga is particularly intriguing. While they denied pulling the ebook, their previous actions against Wikileaks suggest a cautious approach to controversial content. This incident underscores the challenges faced by digital platforms in balancing the dissemination of information with legal and ethical considerations. The move from the Anonymous hacker army dissipated, resulting in diverted attacks on PayPal instead. This shift in focus from Amazon to PayPal indicates the fluid nature of digital activism and the strategic decisions made by groups like Anonymous in their campaigns.
To further fudge matters, the ebook author had a change of heart and put his work back on sale. Go figure. This flip-flopping by Heinz Duthel adds another layer of complexity to the story. It raises questions about the motivations behind his actions and the pressures he might be facing. Is this a case of an author trying to capitalize on a hot topic, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?
The broader implications of this incident are significant. It highlights the power of digital platforms in shaping public discourse and the potential for backlash when controversial content is involved. It also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the actions of both authors and platforms. As digital content continues to proliferate, these issues will only become more pressing.
The disappearance and reappearance of Heinz Duthel’s ebook on Amazon is a microcosm of the larger debates surrounding freedom of speech, digital activism, and the responsibilities of digital platforms. It serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious nature of information dissemination in the digital age.
Via Gearlog
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
