Ten years ago, a young computer scientist named Edward Snowden shook the world by revealing to the public the secret surveillance operations of the NSA, the US national security agency specialized in the collection and analysis of information and intelligence data. Especially through listening to and analyzing foreign sources.
These revelations have sparked a global debate about security, privacy and the ethics of mass surveillance. 10 years later, it is essential to reflect not only on what was gleaned from Snowden, but also (and above all) on how these revelations have shaped our understanding of privacy in the digital age. The question that arises spontaneously is: how free are we really in the era of connectivity?
The echo of revelations
Snowden's revelations weren't just bar talk. The actual number of documents Snowden pulled from the NSA has never been clarified. However, according to a 2016 report by the US House Intelligence Committee, Snowden removed more than 1,5 million documents from NSANet and the JWICS intelligence network. Correspondence and information that ultimately led to over 200 reports, 2148 issues of the internal NSA newsletter, SIDtoday, and the publication of more than 1200 classified documents. Documents that revealed the NSA's covert operations to the world, including programs like PRISM and MUSCULAR.
PRISM is a surveillance program that allows the NSA to access user data from 9 major technology companies, including Google, Facebook and Apple. MUSCULAR, on the other hand, is an operation that intercepts data directly from the cables connecting Google and Yahoo's data centers. These operations, along with others, showed the world how pervasive mass surveillance was.
Interest in foreign leaders
Not only were ordinary citizens under observation: foreign leaders were also in the NSA's sights. One of the most emblematic cases was that of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Discovering that one's phone had been intercepted triggered a real diplomatic storm, highlighting the tensions between allies (more or less subordinate) and mutual distrust. Countries such as Brazil and Germany have asked the United States for direct explanations, underlining the seriousness of the situation.
There are at least 12 books on Snowden's revelations: several literary works have attempted to analyze and understand his revelations, offering an in-depth perspective on his motivations and the repercussions of his actions. “No Place To Hide” by Glenn Greenwald and “Permanent Record”, Snowden's autobiography (released in Italy with title “System Error” published by Longanesi), are just two examples.
Related searches on Edward Snowden's statements
- Title: Post-Snowden NSA reform
- Year: 2014
- Summary: Edward Snowden's revelations about the NSA's electronic surveillance of US citizens and allied leaders such as Brazil and Germany have highlighted the need for reform of the agency. The article suggests that the system of monitoring the secret activities of intelligence agencies has collapsed. [D. Byman & B. Wittes, Foreign Affairs]
- Link to the paper
- Title: Snowden and public perception
- Year: 2014
- Summary: Edward Snowden was criticized by government officials and mainstream media as a traitor and spy when he revealed information about NSA mass surveillance. The article explores the rhetoric behind the media coverage of Snowden's revelations. [David L. Altheide, Int. J. Cyber Warf. Terror.]
- Link to the paper
- Title: Snowden and absolute moralism
- Year: 2015
- Summary: The disclosure and publication of classified information by Edward Snowden and Glenn Greenwald was not justified. The article argues that their actions represent an absolute moralism that does not respect democratic norms, making it difficult for citizens to evaluate the balance between security and privacy. [Rahul Sagar, Ethics & International Affairs]
- Link to the paper
These studies offer an overview of the different perspectives and reactions to the Snowden revelations and issues related to mass surveillance and privacy.
Snowden: Where are we now?
Ten years have gone by quickly, but the questions raised by Snowden are still relevant today. Has mass surveillance become the norm? The technology companies Have they become more transparent? And above all, how do you balance the need for security with the right to privacy?
In response to the revelations, many countries have begun to review their privacy laws. The European Union, for example, introduced the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, which established new rules on the collection and use of personal data. Is such a measure sufficient?
Edward Snowden showed us a dark side of technology, but he also shone a light on the need to protect our rights. The road to greater awareness and action is long, but we must build a future where privacy is a fundamental right.
