Edward Snowden News: Whistleblower Criticizes OpenAI, Faces Pardon Debate

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Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor, has criticized OpenAI for appointing a former NSA director to its board. Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, faced questioning about her stance on pardoning Snowden during her Senate confirmation hearing.

Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who exposed the NSA’s mass surveillance programs, has recently made headlines for his sharp criticism of OpenAI. In a statement, Snowden described OpenAI’s decision to put a former NSA director on its board as “a willful, calculated betrayal of the rights of every person on earth.” This move has sparked significant debate about the intersection of technology and national security.
Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, faced intense scrutiny during her Senate confirmation hearing. Gabbard was questioned about her past comments praising Edward Snowden and her stance on pardoning him. She acknowledged that Snowden broke the law but also exposed egregious surveillance activities. Despite this, she stated that she would not recommend a pardon for Snowden if confirmed. Gabbard also promised to improve whistleblower protections within the intelligence community.
The controversy surrounding Gabbard’s nomination is multifaceted, including her meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and her views on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Her reversal on supporting Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act has also raised concerns among lawmakers.


Q1: What did Edward Snowden say about OpenAI’s decision?
A1: Edward Snowden described OpenAI’s decision as “a willful, calculated betrayal of the rights of every person on earth.”

Q2: What was Tulsi Gabbard’s stance on pardoning Edward Snowden?
A2: Tulsi Gabbard stated that she would not recommend a pardon for Snowden if confirmed.

Q3: What were the main concerns raised during Gabbard’s confirmation hearing?
A3: The main concerns included her meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, her views on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and her past push to pardon Edward Snowden.

Q4: What did Gabbard promise to do if confirmed as Director of National Intelligence?
A4: Gabbard promised to improve whistleblower protections within the intelligence community.

Q5: What is the significance of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in this context?
A5: Section 702 authorizes the U.S. government to collect communications of foreigners abroad without a warrant, and Gabbard’s reversal on supporting it has raised concerns among lawmakers.


The recent news surrounding Edward Snowden and Tulsi Gabbard highlights ongoing debates about national security, surveillance, and whistleblower protections. Snowden’s criticism of OpenAI and Gabbard’s stance on pardoning him reflect broader concerns about the balance between security and individual rights.


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