The NSA and Edward Snowden: Surveillance in the 21st Century

In 2013, the world was shaken by one of the most significant intelligence leaks in modern history. Edward Snowden, a contractor working with the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), exposed a massive surveillance apparatus operating on a global scale. The disclosures not only revealed the scope of government surveillance but also ignited global debates about privacy, legality, and ethical whistleblowing in the digital age.

This article, based on J. Verble’s analysis in ACM SIGCAS Computers and Society, explores the NSA’s mission, Snowden’s revelations, the legal controversies, and the public’s evolving perception of surveillance.

The NSA: Purpose and Evolution

The National Security Agency (NSA) was established in 1952 as a U.S. government agency focused on signals intelligence (SIGINT)—monitoring communications to protect national interests.

Over the decades, the NSA evolved to:

Intercept foreign communications
Develop and break cryptographic systems
Partner with other agencies (e.g., GCHQ, Five Eyes)
Collaborate with tech companies to access global data streams

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. significantly expanded the NSA’s powers under laws like the Patriot Act, leading to broad domestic and international surveillance operations.

Snowden’s Disclosures: What Was Revealed?

In 2013, Edward Snowden leaked thousands of classified documents to journalists, revealing several controversial programs:

PRISM: Gave the NSA access to user data from major tech firms (Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Apple).
XKeyscore: Allowed analysts to search vast databases of internet activity without a warrant.
Tempora: A British-GCHQ project tapping undersea cables to intercept global internet traffic.
Upstream Collection: Tapped directly into fiber-optic infrastructure for bulk data harvesting.

These programs involved the collection of data from millions of users, often without their knowledge or consent—including many who were not under suspicion.

Legality and Constitutional Debate

One of the central questions raised by Verble is whether these NSA surveillance practices are legal and constitutional.

U.S. Legal Context:

Fourth Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Critics argue bulk data collection violates this protection.
FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act): Intended to regulate foreign intelligence surveillance, but criticized for operating in secrecy.
Patriot Act (Section 215): Interpreted to allow mass metadata collection—later reformed under the USA Freedom Act after public backlash.

The ACLU, EFF, and other civil liberties organizations filed lawsuits arguing these programs were unconstitutional. Multiple court rulings since have confirmed that aspects of the NSA’s operations exceeded legal boundaries.

More on this: Understanding Surveillance Law and Privacy Rights

Public Opinion and Media Reaction

Snowden’s disclosures triggered a global wave of outrage and debate:

Many U.S. citizens were shocked to learn the extent of government surveillance.
Global allies criticized the U.S. for spying on foreign leaders and diplomats.
Some saw Snowden as a whistleblower and hero; others labeled him a traitor.

Media coverage, including The Guardian, The Washington Post, and Der Spiegel, played a key role in shaping public understanding of the disclosures. The leaks also contributed to a sharp increase in public interest in encryption and privacy tools.

The Aftermath: Reform and Global Impact

Following the Snowden revelations:

The USA Freedom Act (2015) curtailed the NSA’s bulk metadata collection.
Major tech companies implemented end-to-end encryption (e.g., Apple iMessage, WhatsApp).
Global internet users became more conscious of digital footprints and surveillance risks.

Snowden’s case also influenced debates about:

Whistleblower protections
The role of tech companies in government surveillance
Ethical limits of intelligence gathering

Check out: How Snowden Changed Cybersecurity Forever

Reflection: Surveillance in the 21st Century

Verble’s analysis offers a nuanced understanding of how post-9/11 national security objectives collided with fundamental privacy rights. It challenges professionals in cybersecurity, law, and tech policy to ask:

Should intelligence agencies have unrestricted access to digital data?
How do we balance national security with civil liberties?
What role do transparency and oversight play in legitimizing surveillance?
Can public accountability exist in secret programs?

These questions remain highly relevant as new technologies—from facial recognition to AI-based profiling—push the boundaries of what is possible and what is ethical.