Edward Snowden

Edward Snowden is an American and naturalized Russian computer programmer who revealed highly classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013 when he worked as a subcontractor.

Snowden leaked top-secret documents regarding NSA domestic surveillance practices that he found disturbing. After he fled to Hong Kong, he met with journalists from The Guardian and filmmaker Laura Poitras. Documents leaked by him were published in newspapers, many of them detailing the monitoring of American citizens.

Snowden was charged with violating the Espionage Act by the U.S., but many groups call him a hero. He has found asylum in Russia and continues to speak about his work.

• - Computer Security Consultant
• Freedom of the Press Foundation President of the Board of Directors