NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden: 'I don't want to live in a society that does these sort of things'
The Guardian・11 minutes read
Edward Snowden worked at the NSA and became a whistleblower to expose the American surveillance state's collection and analysis of all communications. He emphasized the need for public awareness and involvement in decisions about surveillance programs to ensure transparency and accountability in government actions.
Insights
- Edward Snowden, a former NSA employee, transitioned from observing abuses to becoming a whistleblower due to accumulating disturbing information over time.
- Snowden stresses the significance of public awareness and involvement in surveillance decisions, pointing out the dangers of mass surveillance in creating suspicion and control, even for innocent individuals.
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Recent questions
Who is Edward Snowden?
Edward Snowden is a former NSA contractor turned whistleblower.
Why did Edward Snowden become a whistleblower?
Snowden became a whistleblower due to accumulating disturbing information.
What risks did Edward Snowden face?
Snowden faced risks such as threats and coercion from intelligence agencies.
What did Edward Snowden reveal?
Snowden revealed classified information about the American surveillance state.
Why did Edward Snowden emphasize public awareness?
Snowden emphasized public awareness to involve individuals in surveillance decisions.
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Summary
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Edward Snowden: Whistleblower Exposes NSA Surveillance
- Edward Snowden, 29, worked as an infrastructure analyst for Booze Allen Hamilton at the NSA in Hawaii.
- Snowden held positions like systems engineer, systems administrator, senior advisor, and telecommunications Information Systems officer in the intelligence community.
- Snowden explains his transition from observing abuses to becoming a whistleblower due to the accumulation of disturbing information over time.
- The American surveillance state, particularly the NSA, collects and analyzes all communications, targeting individuals for intelligence purposes.
- Snowden chose to reveal his identity as a whistleblower to ensure transparency and accountability in government actions.
- Snowden acknowledges potential risks from the US government, including rendering, threats, or coercion from intelligence agencies.
- Snowden emphasizes the importance of public awareness and involvement in decisions regarding surveillance programs and policies.
- Snowden highlights the dangers of mass surveillance, even for innocent individuals, as it can be used to create suspicion and control.
