Bank of America cuts ties with WikiLeaks

December 18, 2010 1 Comment

Here at OSM we’ve been covering all the news about the WikiLeaks Cyberwar and just a few of our recent posts included removeable media now being banned by the U.S. Military, European Amazon sites going down thought to be connected with pro-WikiLeaks hackers, and most recently the fact that Julian Assange, WikiLeaks’ founder had been granted bail in the U.K. during extradition proceedings but was still in jail pending an appeal.

Now we hear news that among other companies that have recently cut ties with WikiLeaks, the Bank of America is now ceasing to handle WikiLeaks payments. An Associated Press report brings us this news and a statement from the Bank of America about WikiLeaks which says the site “may be engaged in activities that are, among other things, inconsistent with our internal policies for processing payments.”

The WikiLeaks response to this news has been to ask supporters to stop using the Bank of America. Meanwhile Ian Dunt over on politics.co.uk reports on Julian Assange now being freed on bail awaiting further proceedings but tells of concerns that there may be a U.S. legal bid against Assange. Assange told Sky News, “We have heard today from one of my US lawyers that there may be a US indictment for espionage for me coming from a secret grand jury investigation. There are obviously serious attempts to take down the content by taking us down as an organisation and taking me down as an individual.”

What are your thoughts on the latest unravelling in the saga of WikiLeaks and the Bank of America ceasing dealing with payments to the website? We’d be interested to know so please do send us your comments.

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  • GVRS

    Bank of America's action is likely another move motivated by "public relations smarts". Those of you who are well versed in the recent history of BoA may agree that its association with Assange has the potential to become another PR fiasco, one of many already the company can not afford. A few years ago, BoA was admitted to be offering "banking products" to foreigners living illegally in the U.S. Recently, the bank has been asked to explain the handling of its mortgage fiasco, specifically its role in the "bogus foreclosures". If you are going to run a company carrying the name America, with a US flag "look alike" in its logo, then you should not inflame the patriotism of its base of clients, specially when they are US government employees, many military. One thought, if this action is also being taken to avoid having the Feds looking into their files then think in the irony – having potential customers carrying out the warrants to investigate your work practices. Final though – Conscience catching up or just protecting it's bottom line regardless? You be the judge.