Some have aptly compared the PRISM program to Soviet Cold War surveillance of its own people. But there is a difference of scale: this time, the data collection is global.

Despite denials from companies said to be allowing the siphoning of their clients’ private information, the U.S. government cheerfully admits it. But if they really believed their own defence that we need PRISM for our own protection, they would thank whistleblower Edward Snowden for bringing their good work to our attention, instead of threatening him with a charge of treason. Alternatively, if they have done wrong, to punish Snowden for revealing it doubles their offence.