Edward Snowdengate (data leaks)

The Edward Snowden leaks refer to the unauthorized disclosure of classified information by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden in 2013. He revealed that government agencies were secretly collecting and analyzing vast amounts of phone and internet data from millions of people worldwide, often without their knowledge or consent. These disclosures sparked global debate on privacy rights, government surveillance, and national security, highlighting the balance between security measures and individual privacy. Snowden’s actions led to increased awareness and changes in privacy laws and surveillance practices, making him a controversial figure — viewed by some as a whistleblower and by others as a security risk.