Edward Snowden and the NSA
The Edward Snowden case raises questions about whistleblowing, privacy, national security, and loyalty to one’s organization. Snowden worked as an NSA contractor and became convinced that the agency was engaged in immoral or illegal surveillance practices, including the monitoring of phone calls and emails sent by lawful U.S. citizens. After he says he raised concerns internally without success, Snowden secretly downloaded classified documents and gave them to journalists from The Washington Post and The Guardian. The leaked documents led to major public debate and legal reforms, but Snowden was also charged under the Espionage Act and remains a highly controversial figure. The main question of this case is whether Snowden was morally justified in breaking the law and disclosing classified information in order to inform the public about government surveillance. This case highlights the tension between loyalty, legality, privacy, public accountability, and the risks whistleblowers take when they break with protocol.