megaleaks
Huge document dumps
Megaleaks are massive releases of confidential documents to the public, typically through organizations like WikiLeaks or anonymous digital channels.
The term emerged in the 2010s as technology enabled leaking on unprecedented scales—hundreds of thousands of diplomatic cables, corporate emails, or classified files at once: The megaleaks changed how journalists handle source material.
Distinguished from ordinary leaks by sheer volume and coordinated disclosure strategy.
Breaking of agreement
- encryptionConverting data into code
- hacktivismPolitical protest via intrusion
- exfiltrationCovert withdrawal of people/data
- classifiedRestricted from disclosure
documents · servers · databases · anonymity · cryptography · firewall · malware · hacking
Disgraceful public affair
- accountabilityObligation for one's actions
- transparencyState of being see-through
- reformImprove by correcting faults
- oversightSupervision or inadvertent omission
corruption · government · diplomacy · surveillance · cables · cover-up · regime · democracy
One who provides intelligence
- insiderOne with confidential access
- disclosureAct of revealing information
- courageFortitude facing danger
- protectionGuarding against harm
retaliation · risk · conscience · dissent · asylum · anonymity · tipster · source
Investigative journalism piece
- investigationFormal examination of facts
- reportingConveying documented information
- scoopFirst-reported story
- coverageExtent of inclusion
sources · publication · verification · newsbreak · editorial · redaction · collaboration · Guardian
breach
Breaking of agreement
- encryptionConverting data into code
- hacktivismPolitical protest via intrusion
- exfiltrationCovert withdrawal of people/data
classified · documents · servers · databases · anonymity · cryptography · firewall · malware · hacking · cyberattack
scandal
Disgraceful public affair
- accountabilityObligation for one's actions
- transparencyState of being see-through
- reformImprove by correcting faults
oversight · corruption · government · diplomacy · surveillance · cables · cover-up · regime · democracy · censorship
informant
One who provides intelligence
- insiderOne with confidential access
- disclosureAct of revealing information
- courageFortitude facing danger
protection · retaliation · risk · conscience · dissent · asylum · anonymity · tipster · source · leaker
exposé
Investigative journalism piece
- investigationFormal examination of facts
- reportingConveying documented information
- scoopFirst-reported story
coverage · sources · publication · verification · newsbreak · editorial · redaction · collaboration · Guardian · documentary
megaleakscover-up
Hiding wrongdoing from public
information blackout · suppression · censorship · non-disclosure · sealed records