The Digital Native
In a small house in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, a young boy named Ed sat in front of a computer screen. His eyes lit up with wonder as he typed away on the keyboard. It was 1993, and Ed Snowden was just starting his amazing journey into the world of computers. ️
"Mom, look what I can do!" nine-year-old Ed called out excitedly. His fingers flew across the keys as he showed his mother how he could make the computer do cool things.
“From the very beginning, I loved solving puzzles. Computers were like giant puzzles to me,” Ed would later say about his childhood.
Ed grew up in a family that cared about helping others. His dad worked for the Coast Guard, and his mom worked at the federal court. They taught Ed that doing the right thing was very important.
Growing Up Digital
Young Ed was different from other kids his age. While they played outside with toys, he spent hours learning about computers. He stayed up late reading about how computers work. The internet was new and exciting, like a magical world full of information.
"It was like having the biggest library in the world right in my room," Ed would tell his friends. His parents worried he spent too much time on the computer, but they saw how smart he was getting.
First Steps into Technology
As Ed got older, he started to see how computers could be used to help or hurt people. He learned about:
• How information moves around the internet
• Ways to keep computers safe from bad people
• How to build websites and programs
• The importance of protecting people's private information
• Why technology should be used to help others
Learning Important Values
Ed's parents taught him to always tell the truth and help others. These lessons stayed with him as he learned more about technology. He began to think about big questions like:
"Is it okay for someone to read other people's private messages?"
"Should we tell people if their information isn't safe?"
"How can we use computers to make the world better?"
Sometimes, Ed would stay up all night thinking about these questions. He knew that having power over computers meant having responsibility too.
The Early Signs
Even as a teenager, Ed showed signs of being someone special. His teachers noticed how he could explain hard computer ideas in simple ways. He helped other students learn about technology. But most importantly, he always tried to do what was right.
"Technology should bring people together, not keep them apart," young Ed would say to anyone who would listen.
As the sun set over Elizabeth City, teenage Ed would often sit at his computer, dreaming about how technology could make the world better. He didn't know it yet, but these early years were shaping him into someone who would change the world.
His bedroom became his first classroom, the computer his first teacher, and the internet his playground. But unlike most kids who just played games, Ed was learning lessons that would one day shake the foundations of global security.
A Path Takes Shape
By the time Ed finished high school, he knew more about computers than many adults who worked with them. His mind was full of ideas about how technology should be used to help people, not control them.
"I want to make sure technology stays good for people," Ed told his family. "Someone needs to watch out for everyone's privacy."
Little did anyone know that this curious boy from North Carolina would grow up to make one of the biggest decisions anyone could make. His journey was just beginning, and the lessons he learned while growing up would guide him through the challenges ahead.
His story was about to take a big turn, as the world around him changed in ways no one could have predicted. The little boy who loved solving computer puzzles would soon face the biggest puzzle of all: what to do when you discover something that changes everything you believe in.
Into the Intelligence World
The morning of September 11, 2001, changed everything for Ed Snowden. Like many Americans, he watched in shock as the Twin Towers fell. He was only 18, but he knew he wanted to help his country.
A Soldier’s Start
Ed joined the Army in 2004. He wanted to help fight bad guys and protect people. But things didn’t go as planned. During training, he had a bad accident and broke both of his legs.
“Sometimes life takes unexpected turns,” Ed’s doctor told him. “But there are many ways to serve your country.”
The doctor was right. Even though Ed couldn’t be a soldier anymore, his computer skills would open a new door.
A New Path Opens
The CIA needed smart people who knew about computers. Ed was perfect for the job! They hired him to work on their special computer systems. He was so good at it that everyone was impressed.
“I felt like I was living my dream. I was using my computer skills to help protect people.”
Ed worked in beautiful places like Geneva, Switzerland. He lived in a fancy hotel and helped keep important computer systems safe. But he also started to see things that made him worry.
Behind Secret Doors
Working for the CIA, Ed learned about special tools that could:
• Watch what people do on their computers
• Listen to phone calls
• Read emails
• Track where people go
• Collect information about everyone
Each day, Ed saw more and more things that didn’t seem right. He started to feel uncomfortable about what he was learning.
Growing Concerns
Ed started asking questions in his head:
“Should we be watching people who haven’t done anything wrong?”
“Is it okay to collect everyone’s private information?”
“What if someone uses this information in a bad way?”
Learning Dark Secrets
As Ed worked with more secret systems, he discovered that the government could see what almost anyone was doing online. It was like having a magic window that could peek into people’s private lives.
“This is more power than anyone should have,” Ed thought to himself. He remembered what his parents taught him about doing the right thing.
A Heavy Weight
Every day, Ed went to work carrying a bigger and bigger secret. He knew things that would shock most people. It felt like carrying a heavy backpack that got heavier each day.
“With great power comes great responsibility,” Ed remembered from his favorite superhero stories. Now he understood what that really meant.
Making Tough Choices
Ed was good at his job. He got promotions and made good money. But something inside him kept saying that things weren’t right. He started thinking about what he should do.
At night, he would look out his window and think about all the people who didn’t know their privacy was being taken away. He thought about his family, his friends, and millions of other people.
As Ed worked in the intelligence world, he felt like he was standing at a crossroads. He had to choose between keeping his comfortable life and speaking up about what he knew was wrong.
The young man who once dreamed of serving his country now faced the biggest test of his life. His next steps would change not just his life, but the lives of people all around the world.
Behind the Curtain
Ed sat at his desk in Hawaii, staring at his computer screen. As an NSA contractor, he had a special badge that let him see top-secret things. But what he saw made his heart feel heavy.
A World of Secrets
Every day, Ed saw more shocking things. The NSA could:
• Read people's emails without them knowing
• Listen to phone calls from all over the world
• Watch what websites people visited
• Track where people went with their phones
• See private messages between friends
The Quiet Storm
Ed couldn’t sleep well anymore. He tossed and turned, thinking about what he knew.
“What if someone was watching my little sister’s computer? Or my mom’s phone calls? It’s not right,” Ed thought.
A Heavy Choice
Ed had a good life in Hawaii. He lived in a pretty house with his girlfriend Lindsay. They went to the beach and had fun. But the secrets he knew were like a heavy backpack he couldn’t take off.
Making Plans
One night, Ed made a big decision. He would tell the world what was happening. But he had to be very careful.
“I need proof,” he said to himself. “People won’t believe me without proof.”
Gathering Evidence
Ed started saving important files that showed what the NSA was doing. He copied them onto small memory cards, like the ones that go in cameras. He hid them very carefully.
He knew he could get in big trouble. But he remembered what his dad always said: “Sometimes you have to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s scary.”
Special Preparation
Ed worked extra carefully. He learned about:
• How to keep files safe
• Ways to talk secretly online
• Which people he could trust
• How to protect himself
Saying Goodbye
The hardest part was knowing he would have to leave his nice life behind. He looked around his house one day, knowing he might never come back.
“Lindsay, I have to go away for work,” he told his girlfriend. But he couldn’t tell her the real reason. It hurt to keep secrets from her.
The Final Days
Ed packed his bags carefully. He put the special memory cards in a Rubik’s cube – a puzzle toy that no one would think was important.
Ready to Go
On his last day at work, Ed looked around the office one last time. His coworkers had no idea what he was about to do. He felt scared but sure he was doing the right thing.
“Goodbye,” he whispered to his desk as he left. He knew his life would never be the same again.
The warm Hawaiian sun felt different that day. Ed walked to his car, carrying the most important secrets in America in his backpack. His heart was racing, but his mind was clear.
The time had come to show the world what was happening behind the curtain. Ed took a deep breath and started his car. His journey was just beginning.
The Great Escape
The warm Hawaiian sun rose as Ed boarded his flight. In his backpack, hidden inside a Rubik’s cube, were thousands of secret files. His hands shook a little as he found his seat. ✈️
Journey to Hong Kong
After many hours flying over the ocean, Ed landed in the busy city of Hong Kong. Tall buildings reached up to the sky like giant glass trees.
“Stay calm,” Ed told himself. “Remember why you’re here.”
Meeting New Friends
In a fancy hotel, Ed met two people who would help him tell his story:
• Glenn Greenwald – a brave writer who wasn’t afraid to tell hard truths
• Laura Poitras – a smart filmmaker who made movies about important things
Telling the Big Secret
Ed sat with Glenn and Laura in his hotel room. The curtains were closed tight.
“The government is watching everyone,” Ed explained. “They can see our emails, hear our phone calls, and know where we go.”
The News Spreads
Soon, newspapers and TV shows all over the world were talking about Ed’s secret. People were surprised and worried about what the government was doing.
The news spread faster than a playground rumor. Everyone was talking about it!
Hiding in Plain Sight
Ed knew he had to be careful. The people he told on were very powerful and wouldn’t be happy. He moved from hotel to hotel, trying to stay safe.
“I didn’t do this for me,” Ed told Glenn. “I did it because people should know when someone is watching them.”
Making Plans to Stay Safe
Ed worked with smart people who knew about laws. They helped him think about where he could go to be safe. It was like playing a giant game of hide and seek, but much more serious.
Watching the World React
From his hotel room, Ed watched TV shows talk about what he did. Some people called him a hero. Others called him bad names. But Ed knew in his heart he did the right thing.
“People deserve to know the truth,” he said to Laura’s camera. “Even if telling the truth is scary.”
A New Life Begins
Ed packed his bags again. He needed to find a new place to live where he would be safe. The American government was looking for him, but lots of people wanted to help him too.
The sun was setting over Hong Kong’s busy streets. Ed looked out his window one last time. His old life was over, but his new life was just starting. He wasn’t just Ed anymore – he was Edward Snowden, the person who told the world a very important truth.
As night fell over the city, Ed thought about all the people back home. He missed them, but he knew his big secret couldn’t stay hidden. Sometimes doing the right thing means being very brave.
Global Revelation
News about Ed’s secret spread like wildfire across the world! TV screens everywhere showed his face. People couldn’t stop talking about what he found out.
The Chase Begins
The U.S. government was not happy. They wanted to catch Ed! They took away his passport so he couldn’t travel easily. ♂️
“We must find Edward Snowden,” said important people in suits on TV. “He told our secrets!”
Friends Around the World
But Ed wasn’t alone! Many people wanted to help him. They thought he did a good thing by telling the truth. Some countries even offered to give him a safe place to stay.
People in different countries held up signs that said “Thank you, Edward!” They called him a hero! ♂️
Looking for Safety
Ed had to make a big choice. Where could he go to be safe? Many countries were afraid to help him because the United States was very angry.
• Ecuador
• Venezuela
• Russia
The World Changes
Something amazing started happening! People began talking about privacy. They asked questions like:
“Should the government watch us?”
“How can we keep our secrets safe?”
“What does privacy mean in a world with computers?”
Companies Make Changes
Big computer companies like Apple and Google started making their phones and computers safer. They didn’t want the government to spy on people anymore!
“We need to protect people’s privacy,” the companies said. “Everyone deserves to have secrets!”
Countries Get Mad
Other countries found out the U.S. was watching them too! They were very angry. Some leaders wouldn’t talk to the U.S. president on the phone anymore. They were afraid someone was listening!
Ed Finds a New Home
After many scary days of hiding and running, Ed finally found a safe place. Russia said he could stay there! It wasn’t perfect, but at least he wouldn’t go to jail.
People Keep Learning
Every day, more people learned about what Ed told the world. Teachers talked about it in schools. Kids asked their parents about privacy. Everyone thought harder about what they shared online.
Some people started covering their computer cameras with stickers. Others used special apps to keep their messages secret. The world was changing because of what Ed did.
A Different World
Ed watched all this happen from his new home in Russia. He couldn’t go back to America, but he could still talk to people through computers. He kept telling everyone why privacy was important.
The sun set differently in Russia than it did in Hawaii, but Ed knew he made the right choice. He helped make the world a little bit safer for everyone who uses computers and phones. And that was worth all the scary parts of his journey.
A New Life and Lasting Change
Ten years have passed since Ed first told the world about secret spying. Now he lives in Moscow, Russia, with his wife Lindsay and their two little boys.
Fighting for What’s Right
Even though he’s far from home, Ed keeps working hard! He talks to people all over the world using his computer. He tells them how to keep their private things private.
“Everyone deserves to have secrets,” Ed says in his video talks. “Just like you wouldn’t want someone reading your diary!”
Big Changes Happen
Because of what Ed told everyone, lots of good things happened:
• Phone companies made better locks for our messages
• The government had to follow new rules
• People learned how to protect their secrets
• More people spoke up when they saw wrong things
Still Can’t Go Home
Ed wants to come back to America, but he can’t. The government still wants to put him in jail. But many people think he should be allowed to come home. They say he’s a hero! ♂️
More than a million people signed their names asking for Ed to be forgiven!
Teaching Others
Ed wrote a book about his story. He made a movie too! Now he teaches other people how to protect themselves online. Sometimes he even appears as a robot on wheels at big meetings!
“I did what I thought was right,” Ed tells students who watch his talks. “Sometimes doing the right thing is scary, but it’s still important.”
The World Watches
Other brave people saw what Ed did and decided to speak up too! When they saw something wrong, they told people about it. They weren’t afraid anymore.
Looking to Tomorrow
Ed hopes that one day he can come home to America. He dreams about showing his children where he grew up. Until then, he keeps working to make the internet safer for everyone.
The Story Lives On
Ed’s story teaches us something important: one person can make a big difference! He saw something wrong and spoke up about it. Even though it was scary, he did what he thought was right.
Now, when you send a secret message or make a private call, it’s safer because of what Ed did. He showed us that our privacy matters, and that standing up for what’s right can change the world.
Young people today are growing up in a world that thinks more carefully about privacy and doing what’s right. And it all started because one computer expert in Hawaii decided to tell the truth.
Ed’s story reminds us that heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes they sit at computers, stand up for what’s right, and help make the world a better place – one truth at a time. ✨