Edward Snowden Ethical Dilemmas

I chose to focus my analysis on Edward Snowden and his disclosure of classified domestic surveillance documents. When the leak first came out, I was upset at the thought of my privacy being violated by the NSA. However, the feeling dissipated when I considered the protection making that sacrifice affords. The NSA, like many organizations, are sometimes faced with ethical dilemmas. Occasionally, there is no right answer. Thus, the decision made, while not ideal, is the lesser of evils. In his TED talk interview, Snowden stated, “Your rights matter because you never know when you're going to need them” (TED, 13:20). While I admit his statement did trigger the reexamination of my stance, I arrived at the same position. Perhaps, I will look back
on my acquiescence and have regret. However, in this moment, as I watch on the news the horrific acts of terror being carried out across the globe, I have a deep appreciation for the country I live in and our government’s effort to keep us safe from threats like this. According to Allen (2005), “The spectacle of terrorism on American soil appears to have stunned some Americans into viewing privacy as a luxury we can no longer afford, a tool of our enemies” (p. 398). I believe September 11th was a horrifying wakeup call for Americans. Thus, to battle this new and evolving threat, changes to the devices of protection by the government must be made and some allowance or sacrifice from the American people may be necessary to safeguard the success of such efforts.
Edward Snowden was faced with a dilemma.
He observed documented proof of acts, committed by the NSA, which violated the public’s privacy and were initiated illegally. Disturbed by what he saw, he had a choice to make: 1.) Report his findings through appropriate government channels, 2.) Report his findings publicly or, 3.) Keep quiet all together. Unfortunately, Edward Snowden made the unethical decision to expose his discovery through the media. Revealing the NSA’s secret activity, in the manner that he did, put Americans at risk and wasted years of work and the funds spent on this endeavor. I don’t believe Edward Snowden lacked moral sensitivity, which is a component of ethical decision making (Johnson, 2011, p. 236). According to Johnson (2011), Rest states “problem recognition requires that we consider how our behavior affects others, identify possible courses of action, and determine the consequences of each potential strategy” (p. 237). The effects of his betrayal reached beyond American soil. I struggle to understand how he concluded that the path he choose was the best option benefitting the masses. He had the option to voice his objections over the activity to NSA officials. Doing so would have maintained the secrecy of the technology and methods utilized, thereby, preserving the fortification of Americans and our
allies.
According to Johnson (2016) “organizations of all kinds have an ethical obligations to “heed the needs, interests, and influence those affected by their policies and operations” (p. 369). The NSA failed to carry out their operation within legal limits. However, I do believe the right motives were behind it which is to protect American citizens, assets, and allies. The NSA’s interest was to strengthen their position as watchman through technological advances. They have a responsibility to secure America from our enemies, foreign and domestic and in that effort, I believe they have succeeded thus far. In my opinion, Edward Snowden’s interest is his own personal privacy, not that of the American people. He had a duty to perform in his job contributing to national security, and if he had a complaint about his discovery, to report it to NSA authorities. As for the Media’s interest in this volatile situation, is to tell the story. The media has a responsibility to report and inform the public on issues & events that have an effect on them. “The educational function of journalism puts the public in the front seat and enables the citizenry to participate in self-government” (Schudson, 2008, p. 13). Therefore, the media served the public by publishing Edward Snowden’s disclosures.
In the TED talk interview, several people in the audience raised their hands to signal they believe Edward Snowden was a hero.
This made me cringe. He is the farthest thing from my definition of hero. I believe his actions were unethical, self-serving, and a demonstration of his narcissism. Therefore, following my assessment, I feel confident that I would choose different actions then Edward Snowden. If I was in Edward Snowden’s shoes, I would have taken my concerns to the appropriate officials at the NSA and allow them to address my concerns. If I felt unsatisfied with the explanation, I would resign from my position. I wouldn’t have leaked any information to the press due to its highly sensitive
nature.