IT Brief New Zealand - Technology news for CIOs & IT decision-makers

Edward Snowden stories

Edward Snowden, whose narratives have profoundly influenced global dialogues on privacy, surveillance, and government accountability, remains a figure of immense interest and controversy. His revelations, shedding light on the intricate surveillance mechanisms employed by governments, primarily the United States and its allies, have sparked debates on the balance between national security and individual privacy rights. Snowden's interests, as gleaned from the stories below, revolve around raising awareness regarding the extent of surveillance conducted by intelligence agencies worldwide and advocating for stronger measures to safeguard personal privacy and data. His disclosures have not only exposed the operational details of various surveillance programs but also influenced tech companies and policymakers, prompting discussions on the need for transparency and privacy protections in the digital age.

The tales of Edward Snowden's interactions with New Zealand, in particular, underscore his impact on international politics and cyber governance. By bringing to light the covert surveillance activities involving New Zealand's Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) and its collaboration with the National Security Agency (NSA) in the United States, Snowden has played a pivotal role in sparking a national debate in New Zealand on privacy, sovereignty, and the extent of surveillance. His engagement with political parties, tech leaders, and privacy advocates in New Zealand and beyond demonstrates his broader interest in fostering a global movement towards more accountable governance and the preservation of digital rights. Snowden's journey from a whistleblower seeking asylum to a prominent voice in the fight for digital privacy and security continues to inspire and provoke discussions on the fundamental issues of our digital age.

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'Leaker' behind massive NSA breach possibly still working at agency

Wed, 15th Nov 2017
A cybersecurity expert has said it is a ‘stunning admission’ by the former CIA director about the NSA breach that is being touted as catastrophic.
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Russian hackers steal from US government again – expert says US at fault

Fri, 6th Oct 2017
Piers Wilson says that in some ways, it is genuinely shocking that the NSA has allowed a contractor to expose vital US cyber-defence data like this.
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Snowden: 4 big security and privacy assumptions he undermined

Tue, 20th Sep 2016
I want to discuss four significant security and privacy assumptions that Snowden’s actions, and the resulting revelations, have undermined.
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Snow-Way? Internet MANA shuns US with whistleblower visa plans...

Sat, 20th Sep 2014
Internet MANA urges NZ's new gov to offer whistleblower Edward Snowden a safe haven, citing his sacrifices in exposing global surveillance.
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Hands up if you're telling the truth...?!

Wed, 17th Sep 2014
Laila Harré challenges PM's credibility on GCSB surveillance, following Snowden's claims of spying on New Zealanders.
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Key 'sets record straight'... Rubbishes mass surveillance claims

Tue, 16th Sep 2014
PM John Key denounces mass surveillance allegations in NZ, confirming GCSB's legality and targeted cyber security operations.
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Dotcom: “We’ll close one of the Five Eyes…”

Tue, 16th Sep 2014
Met with rapturous applause from a jam-packed Auckland Town Hall, Kim Dotcom’s ‘Moment of Truth’ event last night has sent shockwaves across the country.
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Can Key rule out that GCSB is sharing NZ’s data?

Fri, 29th Aug 2014
New evidence suggests that New Zealand's GCSB is sharing metadata with the NSA, contradicting government claims. #surveillance #privacy.
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Key must 'come clean' on NSA / GCSB fibre optic cable interception

Tue, 5th Aug 2014
Green Party calls on PM John Key to explain discussions about a US interception site on New Zealand's fibre optic cable.
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Gartner: Snitching Snowden stalling tech enterprise innovation

Thu, 3rd Jul 2014
Edward Snowden's revelations prompt data residency debates, stalling tech innovation, says Gartner VP Carsten Casper.
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US spying: Who do you believe? Snowden or Key?

Mon, 23rd Jun 2014
NZers trust Snowden over Key on US spying claims, a poll suggests, amid government evasion on NSA's Kiwi surveillance.
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Internet Party slams Five Eyes as Kiwi privacy debate rages on...

Mon, 9th Jun 2014
Internet Party claims secret deals with foreign powers have eroded New Zealand's independence. #TPPA #FATCA #FiveEyes.
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Greens: Key needs to front on what NZ spies are up to

Mon, 19th May 2014
Prime Minister John Key has questions to answer following the latest Edward Snowden leaks detailing New Zealand's involvement in the Five-Eyes spying network.
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Kiwis urged to consider 'privacy balance'

Thu, 5th Dec 2013
If the Edward Snowden situation has taught us one thing, it might be that privacy is very often just an illusion.
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Facebook, Google & Microsoft launch govt privacy petitions

Tue, 10th Sep 2013
Tech giants Facebook, Google and Microsoft have released statements requesting greater transparency when it comes to gathering public data.
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Is your company Edward Snowden-proof?

Fri, 2nd Aug 2013
Whistleblower haunts organisations, who are now investing greater time and money into monitoring inside security threats.
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Apple reaffirms commitment to customer privacy

Mon, 24th Jun 2013
Apple aims for transparency in bid to quash rising tensions following US whistleblower Edward Snowden's revelations.
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Is US whistleblower becoming Snowed-in?

Sun, 23rd Jun 2013
US whistleblower Edward Snowden navigates globe from Moscow to Ecuador, eluding US capture with WikiLeaks' support. Is his refuge within reach?.
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Five Eyes, Spies and Govt lies…Dotcom speaks

Fri, 14th Jun 2013
Kim Dotcom expresses concerns over government surveillance and supports Edward Snowden in his latest column for The Guardian.
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Key: Snowden not welcome in NZ

Thu, 13th Jun 2013
As rumours surface that Edward Snowden may seek refuge in New Zealand, Prime Minister John Key insists the US govt whistleblower is not welcome.