NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden: 'I don't want to live in a society that does these sort of things'

NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, the source behind the Guardian's NSA files, talks to Glenn Greenwald about his motives for the biggest intelligence leak in a generation.

The 29-year-old is a former technical assistant for the CIA and current employee of the defence contractor Booz Allen Hamilton. Snowden has been working at the National Security Agency for the last four years as an employee of various outside contractors, including Booz Allen and Dell.

The Guardian, after several days of interviews, is revealing his identity at his request. From the moment he decided to disclose numerous top-secret documents to the public, he was determined not to opt for the protection of anonymity. “I have no intention of hiding who I am because I know I have done nothing wrong,” he said.

Snowden will go down in history as one of America’s most consequential whistleblowers, alongside Daniel Ellsberg and Bradley Manning. He is responsible for handing over material from one of the world’s most secretive organisations – the NSA.

#edwardsnowden #edsnowden #snowden #nsa #prism #cia #gchq

[thedarkside]

*"When exposing a crime is treated as committing a crime, you're being ruled by criminals."*

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"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."

-George Orwell 

[danlindboomer]

He just did what was right.. he sacrificed his life for you, me, your kids, my kids, and the future

[calebcoffey]

It is really funny to me how quickly people are willing to forget that this happened. We the people never held the US government accountable for this.

[davidculhane]

"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so." -Thomas Jefferson

[DemiXX]

“The greatest fear I have about the outcome of these disclosures is that nothing will change”

[jackshonka]

Everyone watching this is probably on an NSA watchlist right now.

[chimphead]

The fact that this was 10 years ago is absolutely terrifying. I can't even imagine what the surveillance state is like now with how much technology has progressed over the past 10 years.

[yrotsih]

This man has IQ of 144. He earned a year. He left his family behind. He could be killed anytime. On the circumstances, you don't do these things without knowing he is right.

[LOLIN]

This guy is an idealist! He lost everything for saying the truth.
What a corageus and admirable young man!

[cynicalfilms]

The biggest lie ever said was that "America is the land of the free"

[willroland]

a lot of people have come to realize this man is a patriot and acted on behalf of the American people, but few have grasped the level of his intelligence and deep understanding of the human condition. He's a friggin hero and absolutely sacrificed himself for what he knew was right. Amazing individual...

[matthewchristyboyd]

It's been 6 years Ed. I'm reading your book now. Dude, stay safe. I feel like you might want to come home but bro, don't. It's still not safe for you here, stay free and stay safe brother. Thank you for your sacrifice on our behalf. You are a hero.

[jamesfortune]

Snowden is an inspiration, a true patriot, and should be pardoned.

[rik-keymusic]

He should be a national Hero! instead of most Wanted... Tell's you something about those in power!

[seanzibonanzi]

Snowden's worst nightmare has come true, here we sit 10 years later and nothing's changed.

[reecebrodersen]

Id rather be a free man in my grave, than living as a puppet or a slave

[antoniovasquez]

This guy has big balls. Great respect mr Snowden

[margeregan]

Ironically this happened in 2013. If Americans had listened then, we would not be facing today's corruption and crimes.

[dirtditch]

Imagine a criminal arresting you for telling people they are committing crimes against humanity.