Leaker

A 'leaker' is an individual who surreptitiously discloses confidential information, often to the media or the public without authorization. This information can range from internal company documents and government secrets to personal details or intellectual property. The act of leaking is typically viewed negatively, as it undermines trust, violates privacy, and can have significant legal and ethical implications. The motivations behind leaking vary, from whistleblowing and public interest to personal gain, revenge, or political maneuvering. Leakers often face severe consequences, including criminal charges, civil lawsuits, job loss, and social ostracism. The extent of the damage depends on the nature of the leaked information and the impact it has on those affected.

Leaker meaning with examples

• The investigation into the data breach revealed a disgruntled employee was the leaker. They shared sensitive customer records with a competitor, causing significant financial and reputational damage to the company. The leaker had been overlooked for a promotion and saw this as an opportunity to exact revenge. This action sparked intense legal battles and security protocol overhauls within the organization to prevent future leaks of this scale.
• Following the government's policy announcement, a leaker within the administration provided an advance copy of the document to a prominent news outlet. This allowed the media to prepare their coverage, thus preempting any official statements. The leaker likely hoped to shape the public narrative or influence the impact of the information through pre-emptive release. The act caused significant disruption to the government's communication strategy, setting off internal inquiries.
• The whistleblower, acting as a leaker, exposed widespread corruption within the company. By providing evidence of illegal practices to a journalist, they prompted a governmental investigation. Although facing potential legal repercussions, the leaker believed it was their moral duty to reveal the wrongdoing. Their actions sparked a public debate about transparency and corporate accountability. The leaker's identity remains undisclosed to safeguard them.
• A software developer, serving as a leaker, inadvertently posted proprietary code on a public code repository. The leak exposed vulnerabilities in the system and opened the door to potential attacks from hackers and data-breach actors. The mistake led to a scramble to fix the vulnerabilities and reassess the security protocols of their platform. The consequences involved financial loss and reputational damage for the company.
• The tabloid published a story about a celebrity’s private life based on information obtained from a leaker. This raised considerable ethical questions regarding privacy and media intrusion. The leaker, possibly a member of the celebrity’s entourage or someone in their social circle, received payment in exchange for the information, which could also include texts and photos. The act caused considerable distress for the celebrity.