I don't know what specifically what releases the article is referring to do but I assume it is those caused by John Ball (a Guardian newspaper liaison) when he knowingly released the encryption keys for the insurance file. Please correct me if I am wrong.
That said there is always a risk in news reporting that you put someone in harm's way. The goal is to minimize that risk while still being able to report the news.
Not always. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503543_162-20011886-503543/wikil...