Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System
The Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communication System (JWICS, /ˈdʒeɪwɪks/ JAY-wiks) is the United States Department of Defense's secure intranet system that houses top secret and sensitive compartmented information. JWICS superseded the earlier DSNET2 and DSNET3, the Top Secret and SCI levels of the Defense Data Network based on ARPANET technology.
| Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System | |
|---|---|
| Part of The United States Department of Defense Computer Networks | |
| Based in United States | |
| Site information | |
| Operator | Multiple Operators |
| Controlled by | The United States Department of Defense |
| Open to the public | No |
The system deals primarily with intelligence information and was one of the networks accessed by Chelsea Manning, in the leaking of sensitive footage and intelligence during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars to whistleblower organization WikiLeaks in 2010. The video used in WikiLeaks' Collateral Murder and US diplomatic cables were leaked by Manning. In 2023, it was also accessed by Jack Teixeira who leaked information about the war in Ukraine.
Because of the information it houses, JWICS is subject to discussion around cybersecurity and the United States' vulnerability to cyber threats.
Opinions surrounding the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communication system are varied. Some emphasize its importance as a measure to protect intelligence that helps to ensure the safety of US military interests and personnel. Others scrutinize the system for standing in the way of the transparency and accountability of government.