The Snowden Leak: How the US spy scandal unravelled

 Edward Snowden, a former contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA), leaked classified information about the extent of US government surveillance programs in 2013. The revelations were shocking and far-reaching, revealing that the US government was monitoring the communications of not only its own citizens but also foreign governments and citizens. Snowden's leak sparked a global debate about the balance between national security and individual privacy rights.

 

The leaked documents revealed that the US government was collecting vast amounts of data through various programs, including PRISM and Upstream, which allowed the NSA to access emails, chats, and other communications from companies such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. The information collected was then stored in massive data centres, where it could be accessed and analysed by government analysts.

 

The leak also revealed that the US government was engaged in extensive surveillance of foreign governments and leaders, including allies such as Germany and France. The NSA was reportedly monitoring phone calls, emails, and other communications of these foreign leaders, sparking outrage and diplomatic tensions.

 

The information leaked by Snowden also exposed the scope of the US government's use of secret courts, such as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), to authorize surveillance activities. The FISC was criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, and there were concerns that it was approving surveillance activities that violated the privacy rights of US citizens and foreign nationals.

 

Snowden's leak had a profound impact on the global debate about government surveillance and privacy. It sparked a renewed interest in the balance between national security and individual rights, and led to calls for greater transparency and accountability in government surveillance programs. The scandal also led to changes in US law and policy, including reforms to the FISC and the introduction of new oversight measures for surveillance activities.