Edward Snowden is a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor who gained international attention in 2013 when he leaked classified documents revealing extensive global surveillance programs conducted by the United States and its allies. Born on June 21, 1983, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Edward Joseph Snowden became a central figure in the debate over privacy, government surveillance, and whistleblowing. 

Edward Snowden grew up in a family with a background in government service. His grandfather worked for the FBI, and his father served in the Coast Guard. Snowden displayed an early aptitude for computers and technology, and he dropped out of high school in 1998 but later earned a GED.

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In 2004, Snowden enlisted in the United States Army, intending to join the Special Forces. However, he was discharged after breaking both legs in a training accident. Following his military service, Snowden worked in various cybersecurity roles, including for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

In 2013, while working as a contractor for the NSA, Snowden became increasingly troubled by the scope of government surveillance programs that he had access to. Disturbed by what he considered widespread privacy violations, Snowden made the decision to disclose classified documents to the public.

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In June 2013, The Guardian and The Washington Post published a series of articles based on the classified documents leaked by Snowden. These revelations exposed the existence of global surveillance programs, such as PRISM, which involved the collection of electronic communication data from major tech companies, and the bulk collection of phone metadata by the NSA.

Snowden justified his actions as a form of whistleblowing, arguing that he aimed to inform the public about the government’s extensive surveillance activities that he believed violated privacy rights and constitutional principles.

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Facing charges of theft, unauthorized communication of national defense information, and willful communication of classified intelligence with unauthorized personnel, Snowden fled the United States. He initially sought asylum in Hong Kong and later traveled to Moscow, where he remained in transit after the U.S. revoked his passport. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Snowden continues to reside in Russia, where he was granted temporary asylum.

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Edward Snowden’s disclosures ignited a global debate on government surveillance, privacy, and the balance between national security and individual rights. While some view him as a hero and whistleblower, others see him as a traitor who jeopardized national security.

The revelations led to increased public awareness and scrutiny of government surveillance practices, resulting in legal and policy changes in various countries. Snowden’s actions also sparked discussions on the ethics of whistleblowing and the responsibilities of individuals with access to sensitive information.

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