Question

Case 4: In 2013, computer expert and former CIA systems administrator, Edward Snowden released confidential government documents to the press about the existence of government surveillance programs. According to many legal experts, and the U.S. government, his actions violated the Espionage Act of 1917, which identified the leak of state secrets as an act of treason. Yet despite the fact that he broke the law, Snowden argued that he had a moral obligation to act. He gave a justification for his “whistleblowing” by stating that he had a duty “to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them.” According to Snowden, the government’s violation of privacy had to be exposed regardless of legality. Journalists were conflicted about the ethical implications of Snowden’s actions. The editorial board of The New York Times stated, “He may have committed a crime…but he has done his country a great service.” In an Op-ed in the same newspaper, Ed Morrissey argued that Snowden was not a hero, but a criminal: “by leaking information about the behavior rather than reporting it through legal channels, Snowden chose to break the law.” According to Morrissey, Snowden should be prosecuted for his actions, arguing that his actions broke a law “intended to keep legitimate national-security data and assets safe from our enemies; it is intended to keep Americans safe.”

safe.”

Questions of case 4:

a. What did Snowden do? Why did he do that? Was it ethical? Justify and explain.

b. What type of conflict is there? Explain.

Answer 1

1 ans: In my perspectivejust a coin has both side what Mr.Edward Snowden done is either ethical or unethical.

Explanation:Edward Snowden is an erstwhile contractor for the CIA left the Us in late May 2013 after leaking to the media details of EXTENSIVE INTERNET AND THE PHONE SURVELLIANCE. Mr.Snowden who has been granted temporary asylum faces espionage charges over his actions.

According to Snowden he says he gradually become disillusioned with program with which he was involved and that he has tried to raise to his ethical concerns through internet channels but was IGNORED.

The United States Department of Justice on June 21, 2013 unsealed charges against Snowden of two counts of violating the Espionage Act of 1917 and theft of government property.

As it turns out, this is half truth Snowden feels he was justified in what he did, even at the zenith of his ascendant career.

The Attorney General of the United States, Eric Holder did not find, Snowden's rationale convincing.

Being an US citizen, leaking secret government information is a treason as it threathens national security,however, if it is not worth for the better or it promote deterioting future then what Mr.Snowden did is ethical.

2 ans: Type of conflict there in above passage is historic,

Even though Snowden accepted his treason and confessed that there is harm in the work and leaked details,seeking asylum in different country is somewhat cheating own country.Being a true patriot one should not leak his country's details openly.If at all there is fraud he should fight for justice rather than leaking details.

However Snowden's potential status as a whistleblower under the 1989 Act is not directly addressed in the criminal against him in the US.