Edward Snowden is a renowned American whistleblower and author, best known for leaking classified information in 2013 regarding the National Security Agency's (NSA) surveillance programs. Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina in 1983, Snowden began his career in the intelligence community as a contractor for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 2006, working on technology and cyber security.

In 2013, Snowden made the decision to reveal the extent of the NSA's surveillance programs, which included the collection of Americans' phone and internet data without their knowledge or consent. He famously leaked top-secret documents to journalists Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras, and Ewen MacAskill, exposing the NSA's unconstitutional practices and sparking an international conversation on government surveillance.

Following his disclosure, Snowden fled to Hong Kong and subsequently to Russia, where he was granted asylum. He has since become an international advocate for personal privacy rights, and his actions have ignited a global debate on privacy and government surveillance.

In addition to his activism, Snowden has authored multiple books, including his 2019 memoir, Permanent Record. The book provides an intimate look into his life, his decision to leak the NSA documents, and the aftermath of his actions. It has been praised by critics and readers alike for its honesty and compelling storytelling.

Edward Snowden's courage and unwavering commitment to exposing government abuses of power have made him an internationally recognized figure. He continues to speak out on issues of privacy and security, and his activism serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government.