National Security Agency whistleblower and fugitive Edward Snowden has joined the speakers’ list at this year’s South by Southwest Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas.
Snowden, who remains in Russia under temporary asylum, will appear via videoconference Monday to join principal technologist of the American Civil Liberties Union Christopher Soghoian for a discussion about how the tech community must protect itself against mass surveillance, according to a press release.
“The conversation will be focused on the impact of the NSA’s spying efforts on the technology community and the ways in which technology can help to protect us from mass surveillance,” the release says.
Attendees will be allowed to ask questions, and The Texas Tribune will livestream the session.
Hugh Forrest, director of SXSW Interactive, told CNN that Snowden “wants to talk to a tech-focused audience about the importance of building the next generation of online tools that protect user privacy.”
Other speakers set to appear via teleconference are civil liberties lawyer Glenn Greenwald and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who both helped Snowden disseminate stolen NSA documents, CNN reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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