Dayton Kotas
Professor Cross
ENG-202-402
13, July 2023
Government vs. Snowden: Examining the Impact
Ten years ago in twenty thirteen, a man named Edward Snowden former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor generated one of the biggest controversies and debates the United States has ever seen. Leaking private and confidential documents, some might call these actions criminal, controversial, and thought-provoking. It had a positive impact on the United States by shedding light on the extremely shady and poor habits of the government's surveillance programs. His revelation brought reevaluation to privacy and individual freedoms, government transparency and accountability, national security, and global implications. This essay aims to compare
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The Pew Research Center took notice, they began an in-depth study on the manner to find people's views and behaviors on the topic of privacy and individual freedoms. According to Pew’s research back in 2014, Overall, Americans are divided when it comes to their level of concern about surveillance programs (PEW). Only about 57% of Americans said it was unacceptable for the government to spy on them. Not understanding how much information the government was actually taking. Only when reasked how important is it for you to be in control of the information about them. The research found 74% of Americans said it was very important. Pew’s research also found that many Americans struggle to understand the nature and scope of data collected about them (PEW). When asking these critical questions not many people understand how much the government actually collects from us and sells to big corporations for profit. Without Snowden’s leaks who knows where we would’ve stood today on our individual rights …show more content…
He bravely exposed secretive government surveillance practices, shedding light on issues concerning privacy, transparency, national security, and global implications. His revelations sparked important conversations and calls for change, leading to better protection of privacy rights, increased transparency and accountability, smarter use of limited resources, and discussions about global surveillance standards. Despite ongoing debates about Snowden's actions, it is crucial to recognize the lasting positive impact he has had on shaping societal values and