Edward Snowden is a name that continues to spark debate worldwide. Some see him as a hero, others as a traitor, but one thing is undeniable—his actions forever changed how we view government surveillance and digital privacy. But who is Edward Snowden, what exactly did he do, and why should we still care today?

Who Is Edward Snowden?

Edward Snowden was born in 1983 and grew up with a deep interest in technology. He worked as a contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA), specializing in cybersecurity and intelligence. His access to classified government information gave him a front-row seat to one of the most secretive surveillance programs in history.

What Did Edward Snowden Do?

In 2013, Snowden leaked a massive trove of classified NSA documents to journalists at The Guardian and The Washington Post. These documents revealed:

• Mass surveillance programs – The U.S. government, in collaboration with tech companies, was collecting vast amounts of data from ordinary citizens worldwide.
• PRISM Program – A secret system that allowed the NSA to directly access data from companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple.
• Phone record collection – Verizon and other telecom providers were forced to hand over call records of millions of Americans without warrants.
• Global spying – The U.S. government was not only spying on its own citizens but also on foreign leaders, including U.S. allies.

Snowden fled the U.S. and sought asylum in Russia, where he remains today. His revelations ignited a global conversation about privacy, ethics, and government overreach.

Why Should We Care?

1. The Battle for Privacy Continues – Despite global outrage, mass surveillance has not stopped. Governments continue to collect data under the guise of national security.
2. Big Tech and Data Exploitation – Snowden’s leaks exposed how tech giants cooperate with intelligence agencies. This raised awareness about data security, leading to more encryption and consumer privacy tools.
3. Legal and Ethical Questions – His disclosures forced governments to reconsider privacy laws, sparking changes such as the USA Freedom Act, which limited bulk data collection.
4. Whistleblowers Are Still at Risk – Snowden’s exile is a reminder that exposing government misconduct comes at a cost. Many whistleblowers continue to face prosecution for revealing the truth.

Final Thoughts

Edward Snowden’s actions forced the world to confront uncomfortable truths about surveillance, privacy, and government power. Whether you see him as a hero or a criminal, his impact is undeniable. His story remains relevant as we navigate an increasingly digital world where personal data is a commodity, and the battle for privacy rages on.

Take Action Now

Privacy is a right, not a privilege. Snowden reminded us of that—now, it’s up to us to protect it.

🔹 Educate yourself – Learn about digital privacy and mass surveillance.
🔹 Use encrypted tools – Apps like Signal and ProtonMail help keep your data secure.
🔹 Support privacy advocates – Donate to organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) that fight for online rights.
🔹 Contact your representatives – Demand stronger data protection laws.

The fight for privacy isn’t over. Will you stand up and protect your rights?