Facebook and Google under pressure over WikiLeaks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pressure was growing for Facebook and Google to state whether they have been asked to submit data on prominent figures linked to WikiLeaks, as fresh signs emerged that a secret jury investigation will lead to an attempt to lay criminal charges against the whistleblowing website's founder.
Julian Assange and four others are the subjects of an American court order requiring the surrender of details about their Twitter accounts. The court order states the information could be relevant to an "ongoing criminal investigation".
The US is attempting to build a criminal case against Mr Assange by accusing him of conspiring with Bradley Manning, the US military intelligence worker suspected of providing WikiLeaks with more than 250,000 secret diplomatic cables.
Mr Assange is in Britain awaiting the results of extradition proceedings to Sweden on sexual assault charges.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments