3. US condemned for NSA surveillance scandal

On June 6, the Guardian and the Washington Post revealed a US government's mass domestic and global spying program, code-named PRISM.

Former security contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA) Edward Snowden later identified himself as the whistleblower.

The news grabbed headlines worldwide, and was followed by reports of US spying on its allies.

The NSA spying scandal triggered strong opposition and condemnation around the world and eroded the credibility of the United States.

On December 18, a resolution was approved at the UN General Assembly to protect the right to privacy and to oppose unlawful surveillance.

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Snowden Leaks US Surveillance Program