How Did Edward Snowden, a Contractor, Get Access to Classified Data?

NSA Leaker

Laura Colarusso on how Edward Snowden, who wasn’t directly employed by the government, got top-secret intel.

Published Jun. 9 2013 7:45PM EDT

articles/2013/06/09/how-did-edward-snowden-a-contractor-get-access-to-classified-data/130609-national-security-tease_pvdljh — Brooks Kraft/Corbis

News that the National Security Agency was working with leading tech companies like Verizon, Google, Apple, and Facebook to collect sweeping amounts of telephone and Internet usage data rankled the halls of power in Washington, D.C.

Laura Colarusso

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.

How Did Edward Snowden, a Contractor, Get Access to Classified Data?

Laura Colarusso on how Edward Snowden, who wasn’t directly employed by the government, got top-secret intel.

We think “subscriber” would look good on you. Join now to unlock access.

Don't miss this subscriber exclusive article.

Monthly Plan

$1 Trial

Yearly Plan

$35 Year One

Ad Free Plan

$100 per year

Laura Colarusso