It’s just simply the fact that the NSA does not think anybody should be able to communicate anywhere on the Earth without them being able to invade it.

Many of the most important stories in the history of modern journalism have come from sources who have taken information without authorization.

The ultimate test of a society's freedom is not how it treats its good, obedient, compliant citizens; it's how it treats its dissidents.

The many pro-surveillance advocates I have debated since Snowden blew the whistle have been quick to echo [Google CEO] Eric Schmidt's view that privacy is for people who have something to hide. But none of them would willingly give me the passwords to their email accounts, or allow video cameras in their homes.

They're called 'facts', and my role is to amplify those, not cheerlead. And I don't care at all what you think of my motives.

I don't have a 'side'—I'm responsible for what I say and nothing else.

Edward Snowden: The Whistleblower Behind the NSA Surveillance Revelations