Final Task Edward Snowden

Introduction:

Interviewer: Welcome to "Intresting People." Today, we have the privilege of speaking with
Edward Snowden. Known globally as the whistleblower who exposed the extent of government
surveillance, Edward’s actions have sparked worldwide debates on privacy and security. Thank
you for joining us, Edward.

Edward Snowden: Thank you for having me.

Early Life and Career:

Interviewer: Let's start with your early life and career. Can you share a bit about your
background and what led you to work for the CIA and later the NSA?

Edward Snowden: I was born in North Carolina and spent much of my childhood in Maryland,
near the NSA headquarters. I had a keen interest in technology and computers from a young
age. This passion led me to pursue a career in IT and cybersecurity. After 9/11, like many
Americans, I felt a strong sense of duty to serve my country. This motivated me to join the CIA
and later work as a contractor for the NSA.

Whistleblowing:

Interviewer: Your decision to leak classified information was a turning point in your life. Can
you walk us through the events that led to that moment and what motivated you to take such a
significant risk?

Edward Snowden: Working at the NSA, I had access to a vast amount of classified information.
Over time, I became increasingly troubled by the scope and scale of the surveillance programs.
These programs were far more extensive than the public or even most members of Congress
were aware of, and they often operated outside the boundaries of the law and the Constitution.

The decision to leak the documents wasn't taken lightly. I knew it would change my life forever,
but I felt a moral obligation to inform the public about what was being done in their name and
without their consent. The potential consequences were severe, but the stakes were too high to
remain silent.

Interviewer: Welcome, Mr. Snowden. Thank you for joining us today. For those who may not be
familiar with your story, could you start by telling us a bit about your background and how you
got involved in the intelligence community?
Edward Snowden: Thank you for having me. My journey into the intelligence community began
after I enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 2004. I aimed to join the Special Forces, but
a training accident led to my discharge. From there, I pursued work in the intelligence sector,
starting as a security guard at the University of Maryland’s Center for Advanced Study of
Language, which had ties to the NSA. I then worked for the CIA and eventually became a
contractor for the NSA.

Interviewer: What were some of the key experiences that shaped your perspective on
government surveillance?

Edward Snowden: Working within these agencies, I was exposed to the extensive surveillance
programs they operated. At first, like many of my colleagues, I believed these measures were
necessary for national security. However, over time, I became increasingly troubled by the scale
and scope of the surveillance, particularly the lack of oversight and accountability. The
realization that the government was collecting massive amounts of data on innocent citizens
without their knowledge or consent was deeply unsettling.

Interviewer: Could you walk us through the events leading up to your decision to leak classified
information from the NSA?

Edward Snowden: The turning point for me was witnessing the systematic abuse of power. I
saw firsthand how the NSA was leveraging its surveillance capabilities to monitor not only
suspected terrorists but also average citizens, foreign leaders, and even allied countries. This
wasn't just about national security—it was a violation of privacy and civil liberties on a global
scale. After much internal debate and understanding the risks involved, I decided that the public
had a right to know. I collected documents that highlighted these abuses and contacted
journalists Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras, and Ewen MacAskill, who helped bring this
information to light.

Interviewer: What were your motivations for blowing the whistle, and how did you prepare for
the potential consequences?

Edward Snowden: My primary motivation was to inform the public about what was being done
in their name and often without their knowledge. I believe in the principles enshrined in the
Constitution and the right to privacy. The decision was not easy—I knew it would likely mean the
end of my career, potential legal repercussions, and living a life in exile. I took several
precautions to ensure that the documents were securely transmitted and that my identity
remained protected until the information was safely in the hands of responsible journalists.

Interviewer: How do you define civil disobedience, and how does your action fit into that
definition?

Edward Snowden: Civil disobedience is the act of intentionally breaking the law to highlight its
injustice and to provoke change. My actions were illegal under U.S. law, but I believe they were
morally justified. The goal was not to undermine national security but to shed light on activities
that were eroding civil liberties. By exposing these programs, I hoped to initiate a public debate
on the balance between security and privacy and to prompt legislative reforms.

Interviewer: What impact do you think your disclosures have had on government surveillance
practices and public awareness?

Edward Snowden: The disclosures sparked a global conversation about privacy and the role of
government surveillance. They led to significant legal and policy changes, including the USA
Freedom Act, which ended the bulk collection of Americans' phone records. They also prompted
tech companies to improve their encryption standards and protect user data more rigorously.
Most importantly, the public became more aware of their digital footprint and the importance of
privacy in the digital age.

Interviewer: Looking back, do you have any regrets about your decision?

Edward Snowden: I believe what I did was necessary, but that doesn't mean it was easy. Living
in exile and being separated from my family and friends has been incredibly difficult. However,
the positive changes that have come about and the increased awareness of privacy issues make
me confident that it was the right decision. If I had to do it over, knowing the outcomes, I would
make the same choice.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about your life in exile and your current advocacy work?

Edward Snowden: Living in Russia has been challenging, but I've tried to make the most of my
situation. I continue to speak out about privacy, surveillance, and the importance of protecting
our digital rights. I work with various organizations, like the Freedom of the Press Foundation, to
promote these issues and support whistleblowers. Despite the circumstances, I remain
committed to advocating for a more transparent and accountable government.

Interviewer: What do you hope for the future regarding privacy rights and government
transparency?

Edward Snowden: I hope for a future where privacy is respected as a fundamental human right
and where governments operate with greater transparency and accountability. The technology
we create should empower individuals, not be used to monitor and control them. I believe that
continued public pressure and legislative action are key to achieving these goals. We must stay
vigilant and proactive in defending our rights in the digital age.

Interviewer: Mr. Snowden, thank you for sharing your story and insights with us today. Your
courage and dedication to principle have undoubtedly made a significant impact.

Edward Snowden: Thank you for having me. It's important that we continue these
conversations and work together to protect our freedoms.

This interview aims to comprehensively cover Edward Snowden's background, actions, and
motivations, providing a thorough understanding of his story and the principles driving his civil
disobedience.