Ethical Analysis of Edward Snowden's Actions in ICT Practice

This report presents an in-depth analysis of the Edward Snowden case, focusing on the ethical dilemmas arising from his leak of classified information about the NSA's data mining program. Utilizing the 'Doing Ethics Technique' and the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Code of Ethics, the report evaluates Snowden's actions, considering the implications for ICT professionals. The analysis covers the facts of the case, the ethical issues involved, the affected parties, and potential courses of action. The report argues that Snowden's actions, while breaching his duties, were ethically justifiable because they protected the privacy of millions. It also highlights the need for amendments to the Whistle-blower Act, the removal of felony charges, and a resolution with the Russian government to address the ongoing risks. The report concludes with recommendations for the US government to bring Snowden back, judge his actions ethically, and protect him under the Whistle-blower Act to restore public trust and mitigate potential threats.

EDWARD SNOWDEN – ETHICAL ISSUES
ICT PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND ETHICS

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report evaluated the case study of Edward Snowden by using doing ethics
technique for analysing different ethical issues in the case. Ethically it was wrong for the
NSA to collect and mine the private data of the US citizen without their permission. After
the leak made by Snowden, the program was canceled which resulted in protecting the
privacy of millions. This report evaluated the case from a perspective of ICT
professional based on the code of ethics issued by ACS. Snowden had complied with the
codes issued by ACS while taking his actions which justify that his actions were ethical.
Following recommendations are given in the report:
 Amendment in the Whistle-blower Act for protecting Snowden under its
provisions.
 Removing of felony charges of Snowden and bring him back to the US for judging
his actions on an ethical level.
 Dealing with the Russian government for brings Snowden back to the country.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Abbreviations....................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Analysis of the situation (DET).................................................................................................................. 4
What’s going on?.......................................................................................................................................... 4
What are the facts?..................................................................................................................................... 4
What are the issues?.................................................................................................................................. 5
Who is affected?........................................................................................................................................... 5
What and the ethical issues and implications?...............................................................................6
What can be done about it?..................................................................................................................... 7
What are the options?............................................................................................................................... 7
Which option is best – and why?........................................................................................................... 7
Analysis of the situation (ACS Code of Ethics)..................................................................................... 9
Conclusion and Recommendations........................................................................................................ 11
References........................................................................................................................................................ 12

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
DET: Doing Ethics Technique
ACS: Australian Computer Society
CIA: Central Intelligence Agency
NSA: National Security Agency
CSP: Cloud Service Provider
INTRODUCTION
With the growing popularity of technologies in modern society, the issues associated
with them have increased as well. Along with security and privacy concerns, people are
also facing issues relating to ethical nature of technology. The information ethics play a
significant role in tackling the issues relating to technology and use of data. Effective
implementation of information ethics principles ensures that a positive relationship has
maintained between data and moral principles. It is referred to a branch of ethics which
maintains the relationship between ethical policies and maintenance, use, collection and
process of data (Liu and Yang, 2012). While performing their duties, ICT professionals
are expected to comply with policies to information ethics for promoting the interest of
the company along with the public. The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has issued a
number of codes of ethics which are required to comply by ICT professionals while
discharging their duties. These codes assist the professionals in doing the right thing
when they face an ethical dilemma. In this report, the case study of Edward Snowden
will be analyzed by using DET or ‘Doing Ethics Technique’. This technique did not focus
on finding the best solution in an ethical dilemma; instead, it helps in understanding the
ethical issue by thinking critically. The perspective of Snowden will be evaluated in the
report. The codes of ethics provided by ACS will also be examined in the report to
analyse the case study of Edward Snowden.

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ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION (DET)
WHAT’S GOING ON?
The case study of Edward Snowden is associated with the leak of classified information
about a program of National Security Agency (NSA). In 2013, the Guardian and the
Washington Post issued a story regarding data mining program of NSA through which
the agency collected and mined the personal data of the US citizens. Snowden was
responsible for leaking the classified information to the newspapers which resulted in
causing huge controversy in the country (Lucas, 2014). People were angry on the
government because it was collecting their data through smartphones and internet
traffic details without any prior permission. The purpose of the program was to find any
potential links which assist the government in finding and avoiding any terrorist
activity in the nation. Individuals were praising the actions of Snowden, who flew out of
the country right after the leak. However, some people, including government officials,
were criticising the leak because it increased the risk of terrorist attacks on the country.
It was found out that Snowden was an ex-CIA officer who was employed at Booz Allen
Hamilton. He was working at NSA as a defense contractor. Snowden was solely involved
in the leak, and after the leak, he was charged with three felonies (Greenwald, 2013).
Two of the felonies were under the Espionage Act 1917 based on which Snowden was
considered as a traitor. The Whistle-blower Act did not protect his actions.
WHAT ARE THE FACTS?
 In 2013, the Guardian and the Washington Post issued a news story which
includes classified information about the data mining program of NSA (Szoldra,
2016).
 Edward Snowden made such leak to the newspaper after which he flew out of
the country.
 He was an ex-CIA agent and working for Booz Allen Hamilton. He was appointed
as a defense contractor at NSA (Mazzetti, 2013).
 He was charged with three felonies, two of which were under the Espionage Act.
 He admitted that he was working for Booz Allen Hamilton to learn about their
security system which assisted him during his leak.

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 He was criticised for his actions, however, a large number of people supported
his actions and called him a hero.
 He flew away to Russia where the government gave him asylum.
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?
1. The actions of Snowden were considered illegal and against the principles of ICT
professionals.
2. The government officials argued that he increased the risk of national security by
leaking the information about data mining program because it became difficult
for the government to find a potential terrorist threat.
3. Collection of private data without prior permission is a key issue in this case
study because it is considered as an unethical action.
4. People are torn between whether to call Snowden a hero or a traitor because
although his actions were beneficial to the public, however, he risked the nation’s
security (Macaskill and Dance, 2013).
5. The leak reduces people trust in their government, and it negatively affected the
global image of the US.
6. Rather than accepting the charges, Snowden decided to leak the country which
raises issues because terrorists could capture him to collect information about
the US government.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
 United States Government
People lose their trust and faith in the government after they found out that it collects
their personal data without their permission. The government faced global humiliation
as countries such as Russia called it two faced a canceled its ties with the country.
President of Brazil canceled its trip to the country, and many commercial treaties were
canceled after this incident between the US and other nations (Murdock, 2016).
 NSA
It became difficult for NSA to collect information about terrorist activities in the country
without getting access to the phone and internet traffic data of people. It also faced
criticism from the public for using their data without prior permission.

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 Edward Snowden
He was charged with three felonies, and he had to leave his job, family, friends, and
home to live in a foreigner country. He provided that he considered his actions to be
absolutely right and for the benefit of the public however it is not the case with
everyone (Wheeler, 2017).
 Terrorist Groups
After the cancellation of the data mining program of NSA, terrorist groups have more
opportunity to communicate within the country to plan their next attack.
 Cloud Service Providers (CSPs)
After the incident, organisations started speculating that the government is collecting
their data as well due to which they started terminating their contract with US-based
CSPs which caused the loss of billions.
 People
People were the victim in this scenario because their own government was breaching
their privacy. It reduces their trust in the government and its actions.
WHAT AND THE ETHICAL ISSUES AND IMPLICATIONS?
 Consequence base (Utilitarianism): The issue was relating to the leak of classified
information by Snowden, and due to its implications the data mining program of
NSA was canceled which made US citizens happy since it protected their privacy.
 Duty base (Deontology): Snowden beached his duties as an employee and an ICT
professional by openly leaking classified data in public due to which he was
charged with three felonies.
 Contract base (Contractarianism): The actions of Snowden were illegal, and
against the principles of ICT professional, however, they are justified because it
protected the privacy of millions of people.
 Character base (Virtues): The actions of Snowden are considered illegal by the
government however he has an honest character, and he risked his life to save
the privacy of millions of people.

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 Snowden flew to Russia rather than facing the charges which increase the risk
because the terrorist groups can use his knowledge to plot a terrorist attack in
the US.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?
Different actions can be taken by the government and Snowden in this situation.
Snowden can come back to the country to accept his charges to reduce the risk of
terrorists capturing him and collecting confidential information. The US government
also knew about this risk, and they should bring back Snowden back to the country by
removing all his charges. Rather than charging him with felonies, Snowden’s actions
should be judged based on ethical perspective. Furthermore, he should be protected
under the Whistle-blower Act. Bring Snowden back to the country will increase the trust
of the public into the government and accepting their mistake might result in improving
international relationships of the country. The US government deal with the Russian
Government to end the asylum of Snowden and bring him back to the country to avoid
the threat of terrorist groups capturing him.
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?
1. Snowden can surrender himself and come back to the country to avoid the risk
of terrorists capturing him and using him against the country.
2. The US government can enter into a deal with the Russian government for
terminating the asylum of Snowden and surrendering him back to the US.
3. Amendment in the Whistle-blower Act to consider the actions of Snowden as
valid, and he should be protected under the Act.
4. The US government can drop the charges of Snowden to bring him back to the
country in order to judge his actions on an ethical level.
WHICH OPTION IS BEST – AND WHY?
The main issue is that as long as Snowden is outside the US, terrorist groups can capture
him and use his information to plot their next attack. Therefore, the US government
should eliminate the charges of Snowden and bring him back to the country. His actions
should be judged based on ethical level, and they should be covered under the Whistle-
blower Act because they protected the privacy of millions.

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ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION (ACS CODE OF ETHICS)
The codes of ethics are required to comply by all ACS members who are working in the
ICT field regardless of their position or job. It assists them in tackling ethical issues
regarding information ethics.
The Primacy of Public Interest
It is a duty of ICT professional to place the interest of public above all others which
include personal, business and sectional interests. Snowden risked his life and breached
his duties leaking information about NSA program which resulted in saving privacy of
millions of people (Ballard, 2015). Thus, Snowden has fulfilled his duty as provided by
ACS code of ethics because he prioritises the interest of public above all.
The Enhancement of Quality of Life
An ICT professional should strive to enhance the quality of life of those who are affected
by his/her job. ICT professionals should keep striving to improve the quality of life of
individuals who are influenced by their work. Snowden leaked the information about
data mining program of NSA through which NSA collected and mined data of the US
citizens. The government terminated the program, and a rule was pass which provides
that no government authority can access or collect private data from people without
prior permission (Hautala, 2016). It enhanced people’s lives by security their private
data and protecting their basic rights.
Honesty
An ICT professional should be honest while representing his/her knowledge, services,
products, and skills. While giving professional advice, an ICT professional should
maintain honesty and integrity in his/her work. Snowden was dishonest towards his
employer or his country, however, he was honest towards people and to protect their
privacy he risked his life to leak such data. Based on which the actions of Snowden were
honest (Fredericks, 2016).
Competence

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An ICT professional should work competently and diligently while discharging his/her
duties towards the stakeholders. Snowden was capable of performing his job effectively.
Before the leak, no one realised the Snowden had collected the data which proves that
he was competent to perform his duties effectively.
Professional Development
It is a duty of an ICT professional to enhance his/her own professional development
along with his/her staff and colleagues. He/she should make himself aware of new
developments in the ICT field for ensuring that he/she is able to discharge his duties
effectively (McDermid, 2015). Snowden admitted that he joined the work at Booz Allen
Hamilton to learn about their security infrastructure which assisted him while
collecting the information about data mining program of NSA. He learns about the latest
advancements in the ICT field which assisted him in leaking the data of NSA, therefore,
he complied with the code of professional development.
Professionalism
An ICT professional is required to enhance the integrity of the society. Furthermore,
he/she should ensure that respect of its members while dealing with them. An ICT
professional should maintain a high legal of professionalism while dealing with its
clients or while providing them professional advice in order to ensure that their trust is
maintained on the ICT profession (Wynia, Kishore, and Belar, 2014). Snowden way of
handling things was not professional however it resulted in enhancing the integrity of
society, and people started trusting that the ICT professionals will do the right thing
when it comes to protection of public interest. Thus, Snowden has complied with this
code of ethics as well.

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CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
To conclude, the doing ethics technique is used in the report for evaluating the ethical
issues in the case study of Edward Snowden. The classified information about the data
mining program of NSA was leaked by Snowden through which NSA was collecting and
mining the data of the US citizens. It is ethically wrong to collect or store private data of
people without prior permission. The leak made by Snowden resulted in shutting down
the program of NSA due to which privacy of people was protected. However, the
government considered Snowden as a traitor, and he was charged with three felonies
under the Espionage Act. In order to address this situation ethically, the government
should focus on bringing Snowden back to the country in order to ensure that terrorist
groups did not use his information against the nation. Furthermore, the codes of ethics
issued by ACS are used in the report to evaluating the case study of Snowden. It can be
seen that Snowden complied with all the codes of ethics issued by ACS before he
prioritises the public interest which resulted in enhancing people’s lives, and he was
competent, and his actions were honest. Snowden’s actions were professional because
he increases the trust of people in ICT professional by leaking information about the
data mining program of NSA. Following are various recommendations for alternatively
handling this issue:
 The US government should amend the Whistle-blower Act to cover the actions of
Snowden into its definition.
 The US government should remove all the felony charges from Snowden in order
to bring him back to the country and ensure him that his actions will be
evaluated on an ethical level.
 The US government should deal with the Russian government to terminate the
asylum of Snowden and bring him back to the country.

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REFERENCES
Ballard, B. (2015)
How to view all Edward Snowden’s leaked NSA documents. [Online]
IT Pro Portal. Available at: https://www.itproportal.com/2015/03/13/view-edward-
snowdens-leaked-nsa-documents/ [Accessed 21st May 2018].
Fredericks, B. (2016)
Obama doesn’t share Holder’s view of Edward Snowden. [Online]
New York Post. Available at: https://nypost.com/2016/05/31/obama-doesnt-share-
holders-view-of-edward-snowden/ [Accessed 21st May 2018].
Greenwald, G. (2013)
On the Espionage Act charges against Edward Snowden. [Online]
The Guardian. Available at:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jun/22/snowden-espionage-
charges [Accessed 21st May 2018].
Hautala, L. (2016)
The Snowden effect: Privacy is good for business. [Online] CNET.
Available at: https://www.cnet.com/news/the-snowden-effect-privacy-is-good-for-
business-nsa-data-collection/ [Accessed 21st May 2018].
Liu, C.J. and Yang, S.C. (2012) Applying the practical inquiry model to investigate the
quality of students’ online discourse in an information ethics course based on Bloom’s
teaching goal and Bird’s 3C model.
Computers & Education,
59(2), pp.466-480.
Lucas, E. (2014)
Edward Snowden: Did the American Whistleblower act alone?. [Online]
The Telegraph. Available at:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/10595021/
Edward-Snowden-Did-the-American-whistleblower-act-alone.html [Accessed 21st May
2018].
Macaskill, E. and Dance, G. (2013)
NSA Files: Decoded. [Online] The Guardian. Available
at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/interactive/2013/nov/01/snowden-nsa-
files-surveillance-revelations-decoded#section/1 [Accessed 21st May 2018].
Mazzetti, M. (2013)
Ex-Worker at C.I.A Says he leaked data on Surveillance. [Online] The
New York Times. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/10/us/former-cia-
worker-says-he-leaked-surveillance-data.html [Accessed 21st May 2018].