WikiLeaks, pedagogy and the ethical limits of research

Using publicly available yet classified material from the WikiLeaks database has thrown up a dilemma for scholars and researchers. This article examines attempts to restrict, restrain and contain the perusal and use of WikiLeaks cables within the university and research environment. It argues that such limits are fallacious and ultimately futile given modern conditions of access, unnecessarily limiting scholars and students who might otherwise use what is globally available, notwithstanding its classified status.