When you download a new computer program or upgrade,
you have to first agree to the terms of the contract. By clicking on “I
agree.” you are bound to its terms,
though you can bow out by canceling all use of the product. Hidden in that fine
print no one reads is a clause that says you agree not to use the program for
unlawful purposes, a long list of which is usually spelled out. The point is,
if there is illegality involved, the contract is void. In case of a dispute or
lawsuit about damages yada yada yada there is usually an agreement to binding
arbitration.
Business contracts often use agreements of
confidentiality to protect proprietary information, patents and such. The same
goes for other contracts, but here’s where it gets sticky. What if you contract
with an organization that then, unbeknownst to you, engages in criminal
activity? Surely you should elect to bow out to avoid culpability and
liability. You could be swept up as a co-conspirator.
But what if that organization that has sworn you to
secrecy is a government agency that is involved with criminal activity? Are you
bound by your signature to hold to the contractual terms? That’s the dilemma
faced by whistle blowers like Ellserg, Manning and Snowden who exposed the
illegal activity of government agencies.
Violations of the Geneva Convention, assassinations,
torture, and violations of the 4th Amendment against unlawful search
and seizure are crimes the government seeks to conceal behind the Official
Secrets Act. So for speaking out are
those men criminals, conscientious citizens, traitors or heroes?
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