Edward Snowden is the American intelligence contractor and whistleblower widely known for fleeing to Russia after disclosing classified information. His actions brought global attention to the vast scope of surveillance programs conducted by the U.S. government.
Edward Snowden: An Overview
Born on June 21, 1983, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, U.S., Edward Joseph Snowden initially worked as an intelligence contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA). His career involved significant access to classified government information, which he later used to expose sensitive details about global surveillance.
Key details about Edward Snowden:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edward Joseph Snowden |
| Born | June 21, 1983 |
| Birthplace | Elizabeth City, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Former Role | NSA Intelligence Contractor |
| Status | Naturalized Russian citizen (since 2022) |
The Whistleblower and His Revelations
Snowden gained international notoriety in 2013 when he leaked a trove of highly classified documents to journalists. These documents detailed the existence of extensive global surveillance programs operated by the NSA and its international partners. His disclosures ignited a worldwide debate on privacy, government oversight, and the ethical implications of mass digital surveillance.
His primary motivation, as he stated, was to inform the public about the scale of these secret programs, believing that citizens had a right to know how their data was being collected and used.
Flight to Russia and Naturalization
Following the leaks, Snowden faced espionage charges in the United States and sought asylum internationally. He eventually traveled to Russia, where he was granted temporary asylum in 2013, which was later extended. In 2022, Edward Snowden became a naturalized Russian citizen, further cementing his presence in the country. His journey to Russia and subsequent naturalization underscore the complex geopolitical implications of his actions and revelations.
