Edward Snowden, a cybersecurity expert, exposed the secret PRISM program of the National Security Agency (NSA). In this article, we review his journey from the world of programming to his escape to Russia and the impact of PRISM on the world.
Edward Snowden and the PRISM Project: The Full Story from University to Asylum in Russia
Edward Snowden began his technological career after leaving university and succeeded due to his skills in working with the NSA, where he participated in the PRISM program. After leaking secret documents revealing privacy violations, he fled the United States and obtained asylum in Russia since 2013.
The Beginning of Edward Snowden in the World of Programming
Born in 1983 in Elizabeth, North Carolina, Edward Snowden showed an early passion for technology and programming, excelling in understanding networks and security systems. He began his career at the CIA and NSA, working on projects related to cybersecurity and surveillance.
PRISM (PRISM): Global Surveillance
In 2007, the NSA launched the PRISM project, a secret program aimed at monitoring internet and phone communications on a large scale. Major tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft collaborated in collecting data on millions of people.
The Danger of the Project and Its Impact
The danger of the PRISM project lies in collecting data without users' knowledge or consent, targeting individuals based on specific patterns. This information was used to spy on political figures, journalists, and ordinary citizens. Snowden revealed that the program was more extensive than previously thought, sparking global debate about privacy and personal freedom.
How Edward Snowden Revealed the PRISM Project
In 2013, Snowden was working as a contractor for the NSA through Booz Allen Hamilton. He decided to expose the truth to the world, gathering secret documents detailing the PRISM project and other global surveillance programs. He traveled to Hong Kong in May 2013 and met with journalists from The Guardian and The Washington Post.
The Impact of the Leaks
The leaks caused a global scandal, revealing the extent of secret surveillance conducted by the US government, leading to major questions about human rights and individual privacy.
Escape to Russia: A Risky Start
After publishing the secret documents, Snowden realized he could not return to the US due to the charges against him. He decided to flee to Russia via Hong Kong and sought political asylum in several countries, but most rejected his request.
Residency in Russia
Eventually, Snowden arrived at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow, where he was stranded in the international zone for about a month before being granted temporary asylum by the Russian government. Snowden has lived in Russia since then, continuing to speak out on privacy and digital freedom issues.
The Global Impact of Snowden's Leaks
Snowden's leaks had a massive impact, with governments and major tech companies facing severe criticism. Governments began to review their privacy policies, while companies enhanced security and encryption standards.
Personal Impact on Snowden
Personally, Snowden became a global symbol of the struggle for digital freedom and privacy rights. He wrote a book titled "Permanent Record," where he recounts his experience and vision for the future of technology and personal freedoms.
The Future of Edward Snowden and Privacy Rights
Although he now lives in Russia, Edward Snowden remains a controversial figure. Some see him as a hero for protecting privacy rights, while others view him as a traitor. It is clear that his leaks were a turning point in the history of cybersecurity and government surveillance.
Living in Russia: A New Life and Continued Struggle
After arriving in Russia, Snowden was stranded at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow for about a month before receiving temporary asylum from the Russian government. In Moscow, Snowden continued his life under tight surveillance and unstable conditions. He became a prominent figure in privacy and digital rights issues, participating in numerous conferences and seminars on cybersecurity and internet freedom.
International Reactions to Snowden's Leaks
Snowden's leaks provoked mixed international reactions. In some countries, he was seen as a hero for opposing government surveillance policies and advocating for privacy rights. In other countries, he was labeled a traitor due to the potential impact on national security. The leaks also led to diplomatic repercussions between the US and other countries, affecting international relations and sparking extensive discussions on the limits of surveillance and national security ethics.
Impact on Policies and Cybersecurity
Snowden's leaks led to significant changes in privacy policies worldwide. Many governments re-evaluated their security strategies and privacy legislation. Major tech companies increasingly responded by improving user data security, leading to the development of new encryption technologies and enhanced protection measures against cybersecurity threats.
"Permanent Record" Book and Snowden's Personal Analysis
In his book "Permanent Record," Edward Snowden recounts his personal experiences and provides his views on the future of technology and privacy. The book reflects the impact of his work in cybersecurity and how his stances and decisions have shaped his views on surveillance and digital freedoms. The book is considered an important reference for understanding Snowden's motivations and the dimensions of the issues he raised.