Edward Snowden: 'Not All Spying Is Bad'

Techno-anarchists around the world have adopted Edward Snowden as their superhero since leaks from the former National Security Agency contractor have exposed widespread government snooping. But those calling for the U.S. to shut down its spying operations shouldn't expect him to fly in and save the day.

In a Web chat today, Snowden said he's opposed to "indiscriminate mass surveillance" but recognizes that some government snooping is necessary. Jesselyn Radack — one of his legal advisers and a director at the Government Accountability Project in Washington, an advocacy group for whistle-blowers — confirmed to me in an e-mail that it was Snowden who was answering questions submitted by people on Twitter.