Shortform Books

The 4th Amendment: Justifying Mass Surveillance

What is the 4th Amendment of the US Constitution? What is the relationship between the NSA and the 4th Amendment? How is the Constitutional language interpreted to apply to mass surveillance? The 4th Amendment of the Constitution protects you from the government searching or taking your stuff without permission. Data and digital information is less clearly protected and Fourth Amendment surveillance rules are still evolving. Read more about the NSA and the 4th Amendment, including how the intelligence agency interprets Fourth Amendment surveillance protections.

STELLAR WIND: Snowden, Surveillance & Secrets

What is Operation STELLAR WIND? How did Edward Snowden discover STELLAR WIND? What were the implications of this program? STELLAR WIND is a program that was used to carry out mass surveillance, otherwise known as “bulk collection” of information. Used by the NSA, STELLAR WIND was conducting surveillance without a warrant. Learn more about the NSA, STELLAR WIND, and Snowden’s discovery of mass surveillance.

How Wikileaks Helped Snowden Avoid Extradition

What is the relationship between WikiLeaks, Snowden, and whistleblowing? How did Julian Assange and Edward Snowden work together to secure Ed’s asylum? After the leak, the US government wanted to extradite Snowden. WikiLeaks offered to help him avoid that fate. Read how WikiLeaks, Snowden, and luck combined after Ed blew the whistle.

The Snowden Effect: How Did the Leak Change Cybersecurity?

What is the Snowden effect? What were the consequences of whistleblowing? How did cybersecurity change because of the Snowden effect? The Snowden effect is the impact of Snowden’s leak on cybersecurity and society. Because of the leak by Snowden, consequences included more discussion, litigation, and legislation. Read more about the Snowden effect on cybersecurity and the work that remains to be done.

Edward Snowden: Stolen NSA Files Prove His Story

How did Snowden get access to NSA documents? Were the Snowden files that were leaked stolen? What technology was used to access and organize the information? For Snowden, files were critical to bring to journalists when he blew the whistle. For Edward Snowden, documents separated his story from any internet conspiracy theorist. Read more about Edward Snowden, files taken from the NSA, and the lengths Ed went to in order to not get caught.

EPIC SHELTER: Snowden Creates NSA File Backups

What is EPIC SHELTER? Why did Edward Snowden design EPIC SHELTER? How did it give him an insight into NSA systems? Designed by Edward Snowden, EPIC SHELTER is a backup program used by the NSA. Using EPIC SHELTER, files that aren’t already backed up are sent to servers at NSA headquarters. Read more about EPIC SHELTER, Snowden, and mass surveillance.

Edward Snowden’s Book: How He Became a Whistleblower

What is discussed in the Snowden book? Does the Edward Snowden memoir explain why Edward Snowden chose to blow the whistle? Are there any major revelations in the Edward Snowden memoir? Permanent Record is the Edward Snowden book that is a memoir of his life and career. The Snowden book also provides insight into why he decided to leak and how he went about getting the files. Read more about Permanent Record, Edward Snowden, and the perspective he offers.

Edward Snowden’s Jobs: From Service to Surveillance

Where has Edward Snowden worked? What was his first tech job? How did he end up in intelligence? Which of Edward Snowden’s jobs was the most impactful? Edward Snowden had a variety of jobs, all related to technology, before his leak in 2013. He started in web design while at community college. Learn more about Edward Snowden, jobs he’s held, and what his current job is.

The Snowden Leak: Blowing the Whistle at the NSA

Business Strategy: Where to Play, How to Win

What came out in the Snowden leak? What came out in the revealed top secret documents? What was the Snowden leak strategy? After learning of mass surveillance, Edward Snowden leaks documents proving the government is carrying it out on its citizens. His 2013 leak came after evaluating and strategizing. Read more about the Snowden leak and how it came about.

Dr. Alexis Carrel: How Did A Charlatan Win the Nobel Prize?

What did Dr. Alexis Carrel win a Nobel Prize for? What was controversial about his other work and breakthroughs? Did Carrel really find the fountain of youth? Alexis Carrel was a scientist that invented a blood vessel suture technique that he won a Nobel for. Carrel also claimed to have cultured immortal cells in his lab, which turned out to be false. Read about Alexis Carrel, Nobel award work, and his Nazi sympathies.