Former US intelligence contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden, who is now in Russia, has criticised social media platform Twitter and its owner Elon Musk after the platform blocked his wife's Twitter account over 'nudity'.

On Sunday (February 19), Snowden posted the picture in question. It shows Snowden's wife Lindsay Mill holding her naked baby.

"Twitter just locked my wife @lsjourneys's account for an ancient baby photo that even *spineless Instagram* had no problem with. Do parents need to worry? Are baby butts, happy bath photos, etc. banworthy now?" tweeted Snowden.

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Twitter just locked my wife <a href="https://twitter.com/lsjourneys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lsjourneys</a>'s account for an ancient baby photo that even *spineless Instagram* had no problem with. Do parents need to worry? Are baby butts, happy bath photos, etc. banworthy now? <a href="https://t.co/DtRFdDXuHg">pic.twitter.com/DtRFdDXuHg</a>
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/Snowden/status/1627014161677881344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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He followed it up with a Quote tweet tagging Elon Musk and criticised Twitter's algorithm.

"Does this look like pornography to you, @ElonMusk? If you have a machine handing out bans for pictures that could be on a Hallmark Card, it's time to dial back the algorithm. Just my opinion,"

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Does this look like pornography to you, <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ElonMusk</a>? If you have a machine handing out bans for pictures that could be on a Hallmark Card, it's time to dial back the algorithm. 
 
Just my opinion. <a href="https://t.co/3Ixmu6s7bK">https://t.co/3Ixmu6s7bK</a>
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/Snowden/status/1627014860847386625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Till the time of publishing this story, Musk had not replied to Snowden and his wife's account was restored.

Interestingly, in one of his replies to his original tweets, Snowden has said that his tweet to Elon Musk had a 'grand total of 27 impressions'. Snowden's Twitter account has 5.8 million followers.

Twitter users have expressed various opinions on Snowden's tweet.

"Given that predators sometimes share child abuse materials that include infants, your wife's photo was probably caught in the broader net meant to remove that material. Through manual appeal I am sure she'll be restored. No system is perfect. @ellagirwin," said a user.

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Given that predators sometimes share child abuse materials that include infants, your wife's photo was probably caught in the broader net meant to remove that material. Through manual appeal I am sure she'll be restored. No system is perfect. <a href="https://twitter.com/ellagirwin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ellagirwin</a>
— AtypicalChad (@AtypicalChad) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtypicalChad/status/1627089526610083841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"Twitter &amp; Insta both allow pornographic content openly, but their moral policing is so disgusting for such posts.&nbsp; 
Almost 90%of Insta is nothing but pornified content(images or vids or egotistical texts). Porn with 'filters', of course. Gaawd bless our Tech world," said another.

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Twitter &amp; Insta both allow pornographic content openly, but their moral policing is so disgusting for such posts. 
Almost 90%of Insta is nothing but pornified content(images or vids or egotistical texts). Porn with 'filters', of course. Gaawd bless our Tech world
— Deep_Light (@deepakomyogi) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepakomyogi/status/1627135878249472000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Former US intelligence contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden, who is now in Russia, has criticised social media platform Twitter and its owner Elon Musk after the platform blocked his wife's Twitter account over 'nudity'.

Former US intelligence contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden, who is now in Russia, has criticised social media platform Twitter and its owner Elon Musk after the platform blocked his wife's Twitter account over 'nudity'. On Sunday (February 19), Snowden posted the picture in question. It shows Snowden's wife Lindsay Mill holding her naked baby. "Twitter just locked my wife @lsjourneys's account for an ancient baby photo that even *spineless Instagram* had no problem with. Do parents need to worry? Are baby butts, happy bath photos, etc. banworthy now?" tweeted Snowden. Twitter just locked my wife @lsjourneys's account for an ancient baby photo that even *spineless Instagram* had no problem with. Do parents need to worry? Are baby butts, happy bath photos, etc. banworthy now? pic.twitter.com/DtRFdDXuHg — Edward Snowden (@Snowden) February 18, 2023 × He followed it up with a Quote tweet tagging Elon Musk and criticised Twitter's algorithm. "Does this look like pornography to you, @ElonMusk? If you have a machine handing out bans for pictures that could be on a Hallmark Card, it's time to dial back the algorithm. Just my opinion," Does this look like pornography to you, @ElonMusk? If you have a machine handing out bans for pictures that could be on a Hallmark Card, it's time to dial back the algorithm. Just my opinion. https://t.co/3Ixmu6s7bK — Edward Snowden (@Snowden) February 18, 2023 × Till the time of publishing this story, Musk had not replied to Snowden and his wife's account was restored. Interestingly, in one of his replies to his original tweets, Snowden has said that his tweet to Elon Musk had a 'grand total of 27 impressions'. Snowden's Twitter account has 5.8 million followers. Twitter users have expressed various opinions on Snowden's tweet. "Given that predators sometimes share child abuse materials that include infants, your wife's photo was probably caught in the broader net meant to remove that material. Through manual appeal I am sure she'll be restored. No system is perfect. @ellagirwin," said a user. Given that predators sometimes share child abuse materials that include infants, your wife's photo was probably caught in the broader net meant to remove that material. Through manual appeal I am sure she'll be restored. No system is perfect. @ellagirwin — AtypicalChad (@AtypicalChad) February 18, 2023 × "Twitter & Insta both allow pornographic content openly, but their moral policing is so disgusting for such posts. Almost 90%of Insta is nothing but pornified content(images or vids or egotistical texts). Porn with 'filters', of course. Gaawd bless our Tech world," said another. Twitter & Insta both allow pornographic content openly, but their moral policing is so disgusting for such posts. Almost 90%of Insta is nothing but pornified content(images or vids or egotistical texts). Porn with 'filters', of course. Gaawd bless our Tech world — Deep_Light (@deepakomyogi) February 19, 2023 × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Edward Snowden lashes out at Elon Musk for blocking his wife's Twitter account

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday granting Russian citizenship to the US whistleblower Edward Snowden.

President Putin grants Russian citizenship to US whistleblower Edward Snowden

An NFT (non-fungible token) artwork by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has been sold for more than $5.4 million.&nbsp;

The artwork titled, Stay Free combines the entirety of a landmark US court decision ruling the National Security Agency's (NSA) mass surveillance violated the law, with the iconic portrait of the whistleblower.&nbsp;

The funds will benefit the Freedom of the Press Foundation, where Snowden is the president. &nbsp;

"FIVE POINT FIVE MILLION from @PleasrDAO. It feels like the whole staff of @FreedomOfPress is watching live, and we`ve never seen anything like this. This is more than a spectacle," Snowden tweeted.&nbsp;

"Emerging applications of cryptography can play an important role in supporting our rights. This auction will drive the development of valuable and privacy-protecting uses of encryption, to safeguard press freedom and serve the public," he added.&nbsp;

In 2013, Snowden leaked information on US intelligence's methods of electronic surveillance, including illegally eavesdropping on foreign leaders.&nbsp;

Fleeing punitive consequences from US federal authorities, Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries, including Russia.&nbsp;

On August 1, 2014, he received a Russian residence permit valid for three years, which was later extended for another three years.&nbsp;

In the US, Snowden faces two counts of violating the Espionage Act.&nbsp;

He may risk up to 10 years in prison on each of the counts.&nbsp;

The US authorities have repeatedly stated that they consider Snowden to have caused grave damage to national security.&nbsp;

"We have a winner, internet friends. I want to extend a very special thanks to everyone who followed this over the last 24 hours, and the deepest gratitude from EVERYONE at our @FreedomofPress to those who bid on our charity event. You help us make a better world. Stay free!," Snowden said in a tweet.&nbsp;

NFTs allow people to buy and sell ownership of unique digital items and keep track of who owns them using the Blockchain. NFT stands for 'non-fungible token’, and it can technically contain anything digital, including drawings, artwork, tweets, animated GIFs, songs or even video games.&nbsp;

An NFT (non-fungible token) artwork by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has been sold for more than $5.4 million. The artwork titled, Stay Free combines the entirety of a landmark US court decision ruling the National Security Agency's (NSA) mass surveillance violated the law, with the iconic portrait of the whistleblower.

An NFT (non-fungible token) artwork by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has been sold for more than $5.4 million. The artwork titled, Stay Free combines the entirety of a landmark US court decision ruling the National Security Agency's (NSA) mass surveillance violated the law, with the iconic portrait of the whistleblower. The funds will benefit the Freedom of the Press Foundation, where Snowden is the president. "FIVE POINT FIVE MILLION from @PleasrDAO. It feels like the whole staff of @FreedomOfPress is watching live, and we`ve never seen anything like this. This is more than a spectacle," Snowden tweeted. "Emerging applications of cryptography can play an important role in supporting our rights. This auction will drive the development of valuable and privacy-protecting uses of encryption, to safeguard press freedom and serve the public," he added. In 2013, Snowden leaked information on US intelligence's methods of electronic surveillance, including illegally eavesdropping on foreign leaders. Fleeing punitive consequences from US federal authorities, Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries, including Russia. On August 1, 2014, he received a Russian residence permit valid for three years, which was later extended for another three years. In the US, Snowden faces two counts of violating the Espionage Act. He may risk up to 10 years in prison on each of the counts. The US authorities have repeatedly stated that they consider Snowden to have caused grave damage to national security. "We have a winner, internet friends. I want to extend a very special thanks to everyone who followed this over the last 24 hours, and the deepest gratitude from EVERYONE at our @FreedomofPress to those who bid on our charity event. You help us make a better world. Stay free!," Snowden said in a tweet. NFTs allow people to buy and sell ownership of unique digital items and keep track of who owns them using the Blockchain. NFT stands for 'non-fungible token’, and it can technically contain anything digital, including drawings, artwork, tweets, animated GIFs, songs or even video games.

Edward Snowden's NFT artwork sells for over $5.4 mn 

Edward Snowden, a former US intelligence contractor who revealed in 2013 that the US government was spying on its citizens, has said he would like to return to his home country, but only on the condition of a fair trial.

However, the US President Donald Trump has said he will "take a look" at pardoning Snowden.

The former intelligence contractor leaked information and acted as a whistleblower revealing that agents from the National Security Agency (NSA) were conducting a widespread surveillance on the US citizens. However, the United States, in retaliation,&nbsp;accused Snowden of putting national security at risk and declined his claims. Following this,&nbsp;he faces the danger of a conviction on espionage charges that could send him to prison for decades.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/most-infamous-and-shocking-presidential-pardons-in-the-history-of-us-312513">In pics:&nbsp;Most infamous and shocking presidential pardons in the history of US</a>

Snowden has taken exile in Russia since then. Earlier, then-President Barack Obama had tried to set a motion for pardoning Snowden, but had failed to do so.&nbsp;

Now, when the local reporters asked the current President if he would be willing to, or planning to, pardon Snowden, Trump claimed to not know a lot about his case. He also added that the controversy&nbsp;is a "split decision."

"Many people think that he should be somehow treated differently and other people think he did very bad things," he said, and added, "I'm going to take a look at that very strongly."

This statement, given by the President from his media briefing from the Beminster, New Jersey&nbsp;golf field, was a surprise after he made strong remarks against Snowden during his 2016 Presidential campaing, saying,"I think he's a total traitor and I would deal with him harshly."

Edward Snowden, a former US intelligence contractor who revealed in 2013 that the US government was spying on its citizens, has said he would like to return to his home country, but only on the condition of a fair trial.

Edward Snowden, a former US intelligence contractor who revealed in 2013 that the US government was spying on its citizens, has said he would like to return to his home country, but only on the condition of a fair trial. However, the US President Donald Trump has said he will "take a look" at pardoning Snowden. The former intelligence contractor leaked information and acted as a whistleblower revealing that agents from the National Security Agency (NSA) were conducting a widespread surveillance on the US citizens. However, the United States, in retaliation, accused Snowden of putting national security at risk and declined his claims. Following this, he faces the danger of a conviction on espionage charges that could send him to prison for decades. In pics: Most infamous and shocking presidential pardons in the history of US Snowden has taken exile in Russia since then. Earlier, then-President Barack Obama had tried to set a motion for pardoning Snowden, but had failed to do so. Now, when the local reporters asked the current President if he would be willing to, or planning to, pardon Snowden, Trump claimed to not know a lot about his case. He also added that the controversy is a "split decision." "Many people think that he should be somehow treated differently and other people think he did very bad things," he said, and added, "I'm going to take a look at that very strongly." This statement, given by the President from his media briefing from the Beminster, New Jersey golf field, was a surprise after he made strong remarks against Snowden during his 2016 Presidential campaing, saying,"I think he's a total traitor and I would deal with him harshly."

Edward Snowden asks to return to US; Trump to 'take a look' at pardoning

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/would-return-to-us-if-provided-chance-for-fair-trial-snowden-249411">Former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden</a> hopes France will grant him asylum, according to a France Inter radio interview to be broadcast on Monday.

In excerpts made available on the French radio station's Twitter account, Snowden says he would "love to see" French President Emmanuel Macron make a gesture enabling him to live in the country.

It was not immediately clear when or where the interview took place.

Snowden has been living in Russia since 2013 after he revealed details of secret surveillance programs by US&nbsp;intelligence agencies.

Many civil rights activists see him as a hero, but at home in the United States authorities want him to stand trial for espionage.

Former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden hopes France will grant him asylum, according to a France Inter radio interview to be broadcast on Monday. In excerpts made available on the French radio station's Twitter account, Snowden says he would "love to see" French President Emmanuel Macron make a gesture enabling him to live in the country.

Former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden hopes France will grant him asylum, according to a France Inter radio interview to be broadcast on Monday. In excerpts made available on the French radio station's Twitter account, Snowden says he would "love to see" French President Emmanuel Macron make a gesture enabling him to live in the country. It was not immediately clear when or where the interview took place. Snowden has been living in Russia since 2013 after he revealed details of secret surveillance programs by US intelligence agencies. Many civil rights activists see him as a hero, but at home in the United States authorities want him to stand trial for espionage.

Snowden says he hopes France will grant him asylum

US army whistleblower Chelsea Manning has been released from prison after serving a seven-year&nbsp;prison term.

Former US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, a transgender was jailed for one of the largest leaks of classified documents in US history walked free from a&nbsp;military prison today.

Manning &quot;has been released from the United States Disciplinary Barracks&quot; at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said in a brief statement.&nbsp;

&quot;After another anxious four months of waiting, the day has finally arrived. I am looking forward to so much!&quot; Manning, whose sentence was commuted by former president Barack Obama,&nbsp;said in a statement via her legal team.

&quot;Whatever is ahead of me, is far more important than the past,&quot; said the 29-year-old, who served seven of a 35-year sentence over one of the largest leaks of classified documents in US history.

&quot;I&#39;m figuring things out right now -- which is exciting, awkward, fun, and all new for me.&quot;

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First steps of freedom!! ??<a href="https://t.co/kPPWV5epwa">https://t.co/kPPWV5epwa</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChelseaIsFree?src=hash">#ChelseaIsFree</a> <a href="https://t.co/0R5pXqA1VN">pic.twitter.com/0R5pXqA1VN</a>
&mdash; Chelsea Manning (@xychelsea) <a href="https://twitter.com/xychelsea/status/864840675220754436">May 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In July 2010, Manning, then a male soldier known as Bradley, was arrested over the release of a huge trove of more than 700,000 classified military and diplomatic documents via WikiLeaks.

Without Obama&#39;s parting gift, Manning, who served as an intelligence official in Iraq, would have remained behind bars until 2045, after serving a 35-year sentence.

Supporters of Manning -- who attempted suicide twice last year alone -- said they feared she would not have been able to survive the long sentence. Now, she can complete her transition as a free, openly transgender woman.

&quot;Two more days until the freedom of civilian life,&quot; Manning tweeted Monday. &quot;Now hunting for private #healthcare like millions of Americans.&quot;

Manning, now 29, also went on a hunger strike during her detention to denounce the disciplinary measures to which she was subjected -- including stints in solitary confinement.

&quot;For the first time, I can see a future for myself as Chelsea. I can imagine surviving and living as the person who I am and can finally be in the outside world,&quot; she wrote last week.

Quiet release

Manning&#39;s defense team is intent on protecting her.&nbsp;

The Oklahoma native had a difficult childhood. After her parents&#39; divorce, Manning moved with her mother to Wales, where she repressed her sexuality and was mocked for her effeminate ways.

The military is therefore keen on keeping her release low-key. No press conference is planned and media massing at the military installation may be hard-pressed to even catch a glimpse of Manning.

&quot;To ensure the privacy and security of Inmate Manning, no further information concerning the release will be provided,&quot; US Army spokesman Dave Foster said in a statement.

Manning, of whom few photographs are publicly available, could find refuge at an aunt&#39;s home in the Washington region.

Unwanted fame

Virtually unknown at the time of her arrest, Manning today is a well-known figure around the world.&nbsp;

Labeled a traitor by President Donald Trump, she has gained the support of celebrities and is seen by many Americans as a courageous rights activist who &nbsp;was handed an unfair sentence for revealing civilian deaths caused by US bombings in Iraq and Afghanistan.

She wasn&#39;t able to flee abroad like Edward Snowden, who in 2013 released documents showing that the NSA was sweeping up US citizens&#39; communications metadata.

Ahead of Manning&#39;s release, a group of musicians released a compilation album with all proceeds to go to the former soldier as she starts a new life.

&quot;Hugs for Chelsea,&quot; a digital album available for a $25 donation, features tracks by artists known for their left-wing activism including Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello and Sonic Youth co-founder Thurston Moore.

Trans icon

Manning has also surreptitiously become an icon for transgender activists.

&quot;The first thing Chelsea always says when we talk about her freedom is that she wants to give back to the trans community,&quot; said Chase Strangio, an American Civil Liberties Union lawyer who is himself transgender.

Manning was able to start hormonal treatment in prison to begin transitioning toward her female identity. This transition is certain to speed up outside a prison environment Manning said denied her &quot;right to exist.&quot;

While Manning&#39;s sentence was commuted, her conviction remains intact. Manning, who will turn 30 in December, has appealed.&nbsp;

She is also still employed by the army, and retains its insurance coverage.

&quot;Manning is statutorily entitled to medical care while on excess leave in an active duty status, pending final appellate review,&quot; said Foster, the Army spokesman.&nbsp;

(WION with AFP inputs)

&nbsp;

Manning was arrested?in 2010 over the release of more than 700,000 classified military and diplomatic documents to WikiLeaks

US army whistleblower Chelsea Manning has been released from prison after serving a seven-year prison term. Former US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, a transgender was jailed for one of the largest leaks of classified documents in US history walked free from a military prison today. Manning "has been released from the United States Disciplinary Barracks" at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said in a brief statement. "After another anxious four months of waiting, the day has finally arrived. I am looking forward to so much!" Manning, whose sentence was commuted by former president Barack Obama, said in a statement via her legal team. "Whatever is ahead of me, is far more important than the past," said the 29-year-old, who served seven of a 35-year sentence over one of the largest leaks of classified documents in US history. "I'm figuring things out right now -- which is exciting, awkward, fun, and all new for me." First steps of freedom!! ??https://t.co/kPPWV5epwa#ChelseaIsFree pic.twitter.com/0R5pXqA1VN — Chelsea Manning (@xychelsea) May 17, 2017 × In July 2010, Manning, then a male soldier known as Bradley, was arrested over the release of a huge trove of more than 700,000 classified military and diplomatic documents via WikiLeaks. Without Obama's parting gift, Manning, who served as an intelligence official in Iraq, would have remained behind bars until 2045, after serving a 35-year sentence. Supporters of Manning -- who attempted suicide twice last year alone -- said they feared she would not have been able to survive the long sentence. Now, she can complete her transition as a free, openly transgender woman. "Two more days until the freedom of civilian life," Manning tweeted Monday. "Now hunting for private #healthcare like millions of Americans." Manning, now 29, also went on a hunger strike during her detention to denounce the disciplinary measures to which she was subjected -- including stints in solitary confinement. "For the first time, I can see a future for myself as Chelsea. I can imagine surviving and living as the person who I am and can finally be in the outside world," she wrote last week. Quiet release Manning's defense team is intent on protecting her. The Oklahoma native had a difficult childhood. After her parents' divorce, Manning moved with her mother to Wales, where she repressed her sexuality and was mocked for her effeminate ways. The military is therefore keen on keeping her release low-key. No press conference is planned and media massing at the military installation may be hard-pressed to even catch a glimpse of Manning. "To ensure the privacy and security of Inmate Manning, no further information concerning the release will be provided," US Army spokesman Dave Foster said in a statement. Manning, of whom few photographs are publicly available, could find refuge at an aunt's home in the Washington region. Unwanted fame Virtually unknown at the time of her arrest, Manning today is a well-known figure around the world. Labeled a traitor by President Donald Trump, she has gained the support of celebrities and is seen by many Americans as a courageous rights activist who was handed an unfair sentence for revealing civilian deaths caused by US bombings in Iraq and Afghanistan. She wasn't able to flee abroad like Edward Snowden, who in 2013 released documents showing that the NSA was sweeping up US citizens' communications metadata. Ahead of Manning's release, a group of musicians released a compilation album with all proceeds to go to the former soldier as she starts a new life. "Hugs for Chelsea," a digital album available for a $25 donation, features tracks by artists known for their left-wing activism including Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello and Sonic Youth co-founder Thurston Moore. Trans icon Manning has also surreptitiously become an icon for transgender activists. "The first thing Chelsea always says when we talk about her freedom is that she wants to give back to the trans community," said Chase Strangio, an American Civil Liberties Union lawyer who is himself transgender. Manning was able to start hormonal treatment in prison to begin transitioning toward her female identity. This transition is certain to speed up outside a prison environment Manning said denied her "right to exist." While Manning's sentence was commuted, her conviction remains intact. Manning, who will turn 30 in December, has appealed. She is also still employed by the army, and retains its insurance coverage. "Manning is statutorily entitled to medical care while on excess leave in an active duty status, pending final appellate review," said Foster, the Army spokesman. (WION with AFP inputs)

Whistleblower Chelsea Manning released from US prison

Russian authorities have extended US intelligence leaker Edward&nbsp;Snowden&#39;s Russian residency permit by two years, the foreign ministry said Wednesday.&nbsp;

The former National Security Agency contractor shook the American intelligence establishment to its core in 2013 with a series of devastating leaks on mass surveillance in the US and around the world.

The announcement came as outgoing US President Barack Obama commuted the sentence of army private Chelsea Manning, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison for handing classified US documents to WikiLeaks.

Snowden&nbsp;was not on Obama&#39;s list of commutations or pardons.&nbsp;

&quot;Snowden&#39;s residence permit has just been extended by two years,&quot; Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on her Facebook page.&nbsp;

His lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, could not be reached on Wednesday morning to confirm Zakharova&#39;s statement.&nbsp;

Snowden&nbsp;has been living in exile in Russia since 2013, where he ended up after spending weeks in the transit area of Moscow&#39;s Sheremetyevo airport.

He was initially granted permission to stay in Russia for one year amid the rapid deterioration in Moscow&#39;s relations with Washington.&nbsp;

The revelations from the documents he leaked sparked a massive row over the data sweeps conducted by the United States domestically and in allied nations, including of their leaders.&nbsp;

Snowden&nbsp;welcomed the action on Manning&#39;s sentence, writing on Twitter: &quot;Let it be said here in earnest, with good heart: Thanks, Obama.&quot;

(AFP)

The whistleblower, who had released a series of devastating leaks on mass surveillance, has been living in exile in Russia since 2013

Russian authorities have extended US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden's Russian residency permit by two years, the foreign ministry said Wednesday. The former National Security Agency contractor shook the American intelligence establishment to its core in 2013 with a series of devastating leaks on mass surveillance in the US and around the world. The announcement came as outgoing US President Barack Obama commuted the sentence of army private Chelsea Manning, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison for handing classified US documents to WikiLeaks. Snowden was not on Obama's list of commutations or pardons. "Snowden's residence permit has just been extended by two years," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on her Facebook page. His lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, could not be reached on Wednesday morning to confirm Zakharova's statement. Snowden has been living in exile in Russia since 2013, where he ended up after spending weeks in the transit area of Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport. He was initially granted permission to stay in Russia for one year amid the rapid deterioration in Moscow's relations with Washington. The revelations from the documents he leaked sparked a massive row over the data sweeps conducted by the United States domestically and in allied nations, including of their leaders. Snowden welcomed the action on Manning's sentence, writing on Twitter: "Let it be said here in earnest, with good heart: Thanks, Obama." (AFP)

Russia extends Edward Snowden's stay by two years

It was the largest data leak in United States history, fueling a firestorm over the issue of mass surveillance that resonated with Americans and ignited around the world. 
 
Oliver Stone&#39;s hotly-anticipated &quot;Snowden&quot; tells the story of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden in dramatic form for the first time, but the movie almost never made it to theatres. 
 
&quot;Frankly, it was turned down by every major studio. The script was good, the budget was good, the cast was good. It was definitely... self-censorship,&quot; Stone, 69, told San Diego fan convention Comic-Con International on Thursday.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t believe there was an enemy such as the NSA lurking in the background. But definitely self-censorship is a huge issue in this industry, and it blocks so much of the truth from coming out.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Every studio, every corporate board that runs the studio, more than the studio people, said no.&quot; 
 
Snowden was charged by US authorities with espionage and theft of state secrets after releasing thousands of classified NSA documents to journalists Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras and Ewen MacAskill in 2013. 
 
Considered a traitor by some and a hero by others, the 33-year-old fled to Hong Kong and was given political asylum in Russia after the US revoked his passport. He now leads a reclusive life there.&nbsp; 
 
The documents he leaked revealed the extent of surveillance programmes run by the NSA and started a debate about privacy and the role of state security agencies which still rages today. 
 
Stone was joined on stage at Comic-Con by cast members Zachary Quinto, Shailene Woodley and Joseph Gordon-Levitt -- who plays Snowden and accompanied the director to Moscow to meet the exiled security contractor. 
 
Gordon-Levitt describes Snowden as &quot;very polite... almost an old-fashioned gentleman&quot; who came across as warm and optimistic about how technology can strengthen democracy. 
 
&quot;We sat and talked for hours. It was interesting because I think most people that sit down and talk with him are approaching him from the position of politics,&quot; the actor said. 
 
&quot;I was trying to get to know him on a different level because I can read about his politics. I wanted to understand who he was. We got to sit down and have a meal. I think you can tell a lot about a person by how they are when you sit and eat with them.&quot; 
 
Stone, a trenchant critic of the American political establishment, bought the movie rights to &quot;The Snowden Files,&quot; a chronicle of the affair by Luke Harding of Britain&#39;s Guardian newspaper. 
 
He also based his screenplay on political thriller &quot;The Time of the Octopus&quot; penned by Snowden&#39;s Russian lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena. 
 
The Moscow-based attorney told AFP in 2014 he had written the novel. which Stone likens to George Orwell&#39;s 1984, because he could not remain indifferent to his client&#39;s ethical dilemma. 
 
&quot;I have become a witness to the moral paradox, so to speak. I have become imbued with his emotional state, he transported me into his world,&quot; said Kucherena. 
 
Gordon-Levitt believes comparisons of the NSA scandal with the totalitarianism Orwell wrote&nbsp;about might be missing a &quot;more complicated and subtle&quot; issue thrown up by the Snowden case.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;To me, the question is not about whether you need privacy or whether you don&#39;t need privacy,&quot; the 35-year-old Californian told the Comic-Con panel. 
 
&quot;The question is that we are promised privacy in the constitution and if the government is going to change those rules, then they have to be open about that. 
 
&quot;That to me is actually even more important than the questions of privacy and mass surveillance in the Snowden story -- the question of government transparency.&quot; 
 
Gordon-Levitt says he would welcome an open, public debate about whether mass surveillance of the population is a good idea, or even an affective bulwark against security threats. 
 
&quot;The problem was that decision wasn&#39;t made out in the open. The rules were broken in secret, and then lied about,&quot; he added. 
 
Independent production company Open Road, which picked up a best film Oscar for &quot;Spotlight&quot; in February, agreed to distribute the movie in the United States, with its release scheduled for September 16. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Independent production company Open Road has agreed to distribute the movie in the US, with its release scheduled for September 16

It was the largest data leak in United States history, fueling a firestorm over the issue of mass surveillance that resonated with Americans and ignited around the world. Oliver Stone's hotly-anticipated "Snowden" tells the story of NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden in dramatic form for the first time, but the movie almost never made it to theatres. "Frankly, it was turned down by every major studio. The script was good, the budget was good, the cast was good. It was definitely... self-censorship," Stone, 69, told San Diego fan convention Comic-Con International on Thursday. "I don't believe there was an enemy such as the NSA lurking in the background. But definitely self-censorship is a huge issue in this industry, and it blocks so much of the truth from coming out. "Every studio, every corporate board that runs the studio, more than the studio people, said no." Snowden was charged by US authorities with espionage and theft of state secrets after releasing thousands of classified NSA documents to journalists Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras and Ewen MacAskill in 2013. Considered a traitor by some and a hero by others, the 33-year-old fled to Hong Kong and was given political asylum in Russia after the US revoked his passport. He now leads a reclusive life there. The documents he leaked revealed the extent of surveillance programmes run by the NSA and started a debate about privacy and the role of state security agencies which still rages today. Stone was joined on stage at Comic-Con by cast members Zachary Quinto, Shailene Woodley and Joseph Gordon-Levitt -- who plays Snowden and accompanied the director to Moscow to meet the exiled security contractor. Gordon-Levitt describes Snowden as "very polite... almost an old-fashioned gentleman" who came across as warm and optimistic about how technology can strengthen democracy. "We sat and talked for hours. It was interesting because I think most people that sit down and talk with him are approaching him from the position of politics," the actor said. "I was trying to get to know him on a different level because I can read about his politics. I wanted to understand who he was. We got to sit down and have a meal. I think you can tell a lot about a person by how they are when you sit and eat with them." Stone, a trenchant critic of the American political establishment, bought the movie rights to "The Snowden Files," a chronicle of the affair by Luke Harding of Britain's Guardian newspaper. He also based his screenplay on political thriller "The Time of the Octopus" penned by Snowden's Russian lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena. The Moscow-based attorney told AFP in 2014 he had written the novel. which Stone likens to George Orwell's 1984, because he could not remain indifferent to his client's ethical dilemma. "I have become a witness to the moral paradox, so to speak. I have become imbued with his emotional state, he transported me into his world," said Kucherena. Gordon-Levitt believes comparisons of the NSA scandal with the totalitarianism Orwell wrote about might be missing a "more complicated and subtle" issue thrown up by the Snowden case. "To me, the question is not about whether you need privacy or whether you don't need privacy," the 35-year-old Californian told the Comic-Con panel. "The question is that we are promised privacy in the constitution and if the government is going to change those rules, then they have to be open about that. "That to me is actually even more important than the questions of privacy and mass surveillance in the Snowden story -- the question of government transparency." Gordon-Levitt says he would welcome an open, public debate about whether mass surveillance of the population is a good idea, or even an affective bulwark against security threats. "The problem was that decision wasn't made out in the open. The rules were broken in secret, and then lied about," he added. Independent production company Open Road, which picked up a best film Oscar for "Spotlight" in February, agreed to distribute the movie in the United States, with its release scheduled for September 16. (AFP)

Snowden movie 'almost killed' by self-censorship

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