Just give me one reason this scenario might not be accurate: Edward Snowden was allegedly tasked by the NSA to leak information, and one possible goal of this intentional leak could be as follows: Imagine Edward as one of us and follow his recommendations. For example, you use a communication app he says is secure, but in reality, it isn’t, and the NSA can read your messages. Why? To control people who might otherwise use truly secure communication methods, thereby encouraging them to use surveilled tools and keeping them under control.