Edward Snowden and Google join Reset the Net protest

EDWARD SNOWDEN AND GOOGLE have joined the Reset the Net campaign, with the latter releasing the source code for a Chrome extension that provides easy end-to-end encryption.

Edward Snowden, whose actions that kicked off the PRISM spying scandal prompted online protests like Reset the Net, has spoken out in support of the 5 June plans for a global effort against limits on internet freedoms.

In a statement issued via his attorney, Snowden said, "One year ago, we learned that the internet is under surveillance, and our activities are being monitored to create permanent records of our private lives - no matter how innocent or ordinary those lives might be.

Today, we can begin the work of effectively shutting down the collection of our online communications, even if the US Congress fails to do the same."

Snowden called on others to join him for the 5 June day of action, and implement technologies to put an end to the mass government surveillance programmes.

"This is the beginning of a moment where we the people begin to protect our universal human rights with the laws of nature rather than the laws of nations," he said.

"We have the technology, and adopting encryption is the first effective step that everyone can take to end mass surveillance. That's why I am excited for Reset the Net - it will mark the moment when we turn political expression into practical action, and protect ourselves on a large scale. Join us on 5 June, and dont ask for your privacy. Take it back."

Snowden's statement comes a day after Google announced that it was joining the Reset the Net campaign. Reset the Net already has many backers including Reddit and it will use the day to highlight privacy issues and security measures. The effort is supported by the Fight for the Future internet activist organisation.

In support of Reset the Net, Google also announced its own security contributions and encouraged a culture of privacy and security.

Google said that it encrypts all the mail messages that it can but it knows that it is hard for individuals to secure and encrypt all content that is sent between other email accounts.

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Edward Snowden and Google join Reset the Net protest