Key video: Is Edward Snowden really a Traitor? Edward Snowden’s leaks exposed widespread government surveillance programs run by the NSA, which some people connect to the "deep state," a term for a hidden network of powerful individuals within the government. Snowden's disclosures revealed the existence of programs that collected vast amounts of data on citizens and world leaders, sparking a global debate about government secrecy and accountability. . While some view Snowden as a whistleblower and his leaks as confirming the existence of powerful, unchecked intelligence operations, others, like former FBI Director James Comey, argued that the programs were approved by all three branches of government. What Snowden revealed: In 2013, Snowden leaked classified documents showing the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) was conducting widespread surveillance programs, including the collection of phone and internet data from U.S. and international citizens. Co...