Whistleblowing is a big issue in the world today when it comes to the issue of privacy. It is often argued as to whether a whistleblower can be seen as a hero or a traitor. This can be seen in the case of Edward Snowden where his government sees him as a traitor. However in terms of protecting the right to personal privacy he is seen as a hero. In order to fully comprehend whether a whistleblower can be seen as a traitor or a hero, whistleblowing needs to be understood by definition and its views around the world, for example in the United States of America, United Kingdom and South Africa. We need to fully understand the effects and aftermath that whistleblowing entails along with the ethical implications when it comes to disclosing information. Edward Snowden revealed secret information kept by the NSA about the government invading the public's privacy in order to uncover any threats to the United States government. Edward Snowden case is a good example of the ethical implications of whistleblowing. The government has laws to protect whistleblowers that uncover fraudulent activity in organizations. However when governments fraudulent information is uncovered, as in the case of Edward Snowden, it is no longer seen as ethical but rather as illegal and unpatriotic. In the end the ethical judgment comes down to what you find more important your loyalty to your company, organization or government or people's rights.
Edward Snowden is one of the most well-known whistle blowers in the world for his exposure of the United States government and the NSA. His exposure brought to light the invasion of the public's privacy by the US. This should classify him as a hero, however the government labelled him as a traitor. When it comes to whistleblowing, the argument the stands, is a whistle blower a hero or a traitor? Whistle blowing can be described as "The disclosure by a person, usually an employee in a government agency or private enterprise, to the public or to those in authority, of mismanagement, corruption, illegality, or some other wrongdoing" (Whistleblowing [sa]).
