Edward Snowden's digital 'misuse' has created problems, says Ban Ki-moon

[flamingdem]

Ban makes remarks in Reykjavik but MP Birgitta Jónsdóttir says it was 'wrong for Ban to condemn Snowden personally'

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The former NSA contractor Edward Snowden misused his right to digital access and has created problems that outweigh the benefits of public disclosure, the UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has said.

Speaking to a gathering of the foreign affairs committee of the Icelandic parliament in Reykjavik on Tuesday, Ban said that in his personal opinion "the Snowden case is something I consider to be misuse." The UN chief added that the opening up of digital communications should not be "misused in such a way as Snowden did".

Ban's remarks, recorded in notes taken by two people present at the meeting and confirmed by a third, provoked expressions of surprise from committee members. His depiction of Snowden as someone who had misused access to information came just hours after the NSA whistleblower made a formal request for asylum to the Icelandic government.

Birgitta Jónsdóttir, a member of the committee who was present at the meeting, asked Ban to clarify his comments on whistleblowers. He replied: "Access can be for the greater good, but sometimes it creates bigger problems through misuse by individuals."

[Pholus]

1. That was probably the single most disturbing response in this affair.

An indication that there is a "gentleman's agreement" that the common folk don't need to be burdened by information they don't have "rights" do know.

[flamingdem]

2. I thought it was kind of funny because Ban doesn't really

understand the internet or the Snowden story very well.