These [NSA] programs were never about terrorism: they're about economic spying, social control, and diplomatic manipulation. They're about power.

When Clapper raised his hand and lied to the American public, was anyone tried? Were any charges brought? Within 24 hours of going public, I had three charges against me.

You can't come up against the world's most powerful intelligence agencies and not accept the risk.

I don't think I have committed a crime outside the domain of the US.

The only reason I do these interviews - I hate talking about myself, I hate doing this stuff - is because incredibly well-meaning people, whom I respect and trust, tell me that this will help bring about positive changes. It's not going to cause a sea change, but it will benefit the public.

Nobody's going to vote for terrorism. So our governments don't have that sort of political pressure to act in a responsible manner when it comes to stewardship of our rights.

I hate these questions - I don't like talking about this stuff [popular culture], because it's so... to me, it's so ordinary.