Snowden Leaks (2013)

About

The Snowden Leaks of 2013 were a pivotal moment in global politics, exposing the extent of the U.S. National Security Agency's (NSA) global surveillance programs. Edward Snowden, an NSA contractor, leaked thousands of classified documents to journalists, revealing that the NSA had been conducting mass surveillance on a global scale. This included the collection of emails, phone data, and social media messages from millions of people worldwide. The leaks also exposed the involvement of major tech companies in these programs, such as Microsoft, Google, and Facebook, through initiatives like PRISM. The revelations sparked widespread controversy and debate about privacy and government surveillance. Snowden's actions led to significant changes in how governments and companies approach data privacy. The leaks prompted legal reforms and increased transparency from intelligence agencies. Snowden himself became a figure of both praise and criticism, facing charges under the Espionage Act and eventually gaining Russian citizenship. His disclosures are often credited with initiating a global conversation about surveillance and privacy rights.