USA's Most Wanted Man

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Meet the Most Wanted Man: Edward Snowden, Public Enemy Number One

In a gripping saga of espionage and government pursuit since 2013, Edward Snowden has ascended to the status of Public Enemy Number One in the eyes of the U.S. government. Adding to the intrigue, Vladimir Putin himself granted Snowden Russian citizenship, solidifying his enigmatic standing on the global stage.

Unraveling the Tale: June 6, 2013

The narrative began to unfold on June 6, 2013, when bombshell reports from The Guardian and The Washington Post revealed top-secret documents exposing the NSA's (National Security Agency) extensive surveillance activities. The whistleblower behind this revelation remained unknown until three days later when 29-year-old Edward Snowden, a high school dropout with a background in both the CIA and NSA, stepped into the spotlight.

Snowden's Roles and Revelation

In his brief stint with the NSA, Snowden, a former systems engineer, administrator, senior advisor, solutions consultant, and telecommunications information systems officer, stumbled upon what he considered a dangerous overreach by the agency. His privileged access exposed him to a breadth of information, revealing disturbing patterns of abuse that compelled him to act.

Unveiling the Surveillance State

The leaked material exposed a colossal government-run surveillance program. At its core was the revelation of Prism, a secret program providing the government with a backdoor to access private user data from tech giants like Google, Apple, and Facebook. Shockingly, a secret court order allowed the NSA to collect telephone records from millions of Verizon customers, including both criminals and law-abiding citizens.

A Web of Deceit: Global Intricacies

Snowden's disclosures went beyond domestic surveillance, showcasing the NSA's hacking activities in Hong Kong and Mainland China, tapping into military systems. The scandal extended to the interception of Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel's mobile phone and unveiled mass surveillance practices by Britain's GCHQ, coupled with discussions on deceptive tactics using propaganda and social media manipulation.

Snowden's Infamous Downloads

National intelligence officials estimated that Snowden downloaded nearly 2 million files, marking one of the most significant national security leaks in U.S. history. His revelations sparked debates on the extent of the NSA's powers and prompted global calls for a review of surveillance operations.

The Art of the Escape: Snowden's Ingenious Plan

To leak sensitive documents from a top-secret government facility, Snowden eschewed sophisticated hacking tools, relying instead on thumb drives. Despite the apparent simplicity, executing his plan required meticulous planning. Snowden, based in Hawaii, leveraged the time difference and outdated Thin Client systems to navigate the NSA's servers without leaving digital footprints. His role as a systems administrator enabled him to use thumb drives without raising suspicions.

The Great Escape

After downloading the documents discreetly, Snowden successfully evaded authorities, seeking refuge in Hong Kong. Collaborating with trusted journalists Glenn Greenwald and Laura Poitras, he unveiled the story that would redefine public perception of government surveillance.

Charges, Extradition, and Asylum

Snowden faced charges including theft of government property, unauthorized communication of National Defense information, and willful communication of classified intelligence. Despite U.S. attempts to extradite him, Snowden, with permanent residency in Russia since 2020, avoided capture.

Russian Citizenship and Legacy

In a surprising turn, Vladimir Putin granted Snowden Russian citizenship in September 2022. Over the years, Snowden's interviews have shed light on government surveillance practices, with many viewing him as a hero for exposing unwarranted mass surveillance schemes.

Hero or Traitor?

The debate rages on: Did Snowden save democracy and promote transparency, or should he have refrained from leaking classified information? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe to "Explained."