Was Snowden a whistle blower?

Sample Solution

Was Edward Snowden a Whistleblower?

1. Yes, Edward Snowden was a whistleblower.

A whistleblower is a person who discloses information that they believe exposes wrongdoing or dangers to the public. Snowden disclosed classified information that revealed the U.S. government's mass surveillance programs, which he believed were a violation of the Fourth Amendment and other privacy laws.

Full Answer Section

2. Legal Definition of a Whistleblower

The Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 (WPA) defines a whistleblower as a government employee or contractor who reports wrongdoing to a supervisor, an inspector general, a member of Congress, or the public. The WPA protects whistleblowers from retaliation by their employer.

3. Laws that Protect Whistleblowers in the USG

In addition to the WPA, there are several other laws that protect whistleblowers in the USG. These laws include:

• The Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act of 1998 (ICWPA)
• The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
• The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010

4. Systems that Allow USG Employees to Report Concerns of Fraud, Waste, and or Abuse

There are several systems that allow USG employees to report concerns of fraud, waste, and abuse. These systems include:

• The Office of Special Counsel (OSC)
• The Inspector General Network
• The Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Conclusion

Edward Snowden meets the legal definition of a whistleblower. He disclosed classified information that he believed exposed wrongdoing to the public. He also attempted to follow procedures by reporting his concerns to his supervisor and to the OSC. However, he ultimately decided to disclose the information to the public because he believed that the government was not adequately investigating his concerns.

Snowden's actions were controversial, and he was charged with espionage and theft of government property. However, he is also considered a hero by many people who believe that he exposed the government's mass surveillance programs and defended the public's right to privacy.

In conclusion, whether or not Edward Snowden was a whistleblower is a matter of opinion. However, there is no doubt that he is a significant figure in the history of the United States.