Poor regulation across many of the world's freedom of information systems formed part of Julian Assange's inspiration to establish WikiLeaks, the Australian's lawyer says.
The 39-year-old is currently under US criminal investigation over the leaking of hundreds of thousands of secret military reports and diplomatic cables released.
The release of information has caused worldwide controversy and drawn both criticism of WikiLeaks, along with strong support for the site and the community's right to freedom of information.
"People are fed up with freedom of information. They know it (information) will never come out, they just put up and put up ... we need a properly regulated system that gets information out there quicker," human rights and media law specialist Mark Stephens said.
Assange's lawyer spoke in London on Monday as one of a panel of academics and commentators presenting at a British Institute of International and Comparative Law event - Freedom of Information in the WikiLeaks Era.
He spoke of what motivated Assange to set-up an anonymous "drop box" system, allowing information to be given to WikiLeaks.
"What is the phenomenon that Julian Assange recognised and identified that allowed him to think of an electronic drop box?" Mr Stephens asked.
"I think partly it is because of freedom of information laws ... also I think you have to look at the way they are used and abused by the people who are the subject of freedom of information requests."
The way forward, according to Mr Stephens, is to strike a balance between regulating and embracing the release of information, because WikiLeaks "is here to stay".
"The government on freedom of information is the gatekeeper," he said.
"Ultimately, if the government doesn't like what it's being asked to release, it won't."
US officials have accused WikiLeaks of putting US national security at risk by its release of secret documents.
Mr Stephens said Assange regulated the WikiLeaks site so it would "not endanger life or ongoing investigations".
Currently on bail, Assange is due to face court in London next week for a two-day extradition hearing. Swedish prosecutors have issued a warrant for his arrest following accusations of sexual offences against two women in Sweden during a trip last August.
Mr Stephens has previously told media that he thinks Swedish officials were cooperating with US authorities with an eye to extraditing Assange as soon as the Americans have built a criminal case against him.
"We are hearing that the Swedish are prepared to drop the rape charges against Julian as soon as the Americans demand his extradition," he said earlier this month.
Regardless of the outcome of current and future criminal proceedings, Mr Stephens said WikiLeaks will go on.
"He may be in Sweden in a few weeks' time. We hope he's not but if he is ... (or) if someone cuts off Julian's head there are hundreds of people standing behind him who will just step into the place," he said on Monday.
