New Leaks, New Repercussions

[Commentary] Stunning new details continue to emerge from Edward Snowden’s leaks about the vast electronic data mining carried out by the National Security Agency, setting off one diplomatic aftershock after another. Reports based on Snowden’s information have alleged American eavesdropping on France, Germany, Britain, Brazil, Mexico, European Union offices and European diplomatic missions. More revelations are likely.

The Obama Administration’s response has been that the United States seeks to gather foreign intelligence as other nations do. But the very scale of America’s clandestine electronic operations appears to be undercutting America’s “soft power” — its ability to influence global affairs through example and moral leadership. The fact is that most nations practice electronic surveillance and that citizens everywhere surrender personal data voluntarily to digital services and social networks. That is why free countries must place stern limits on the security institutions allowed to function in the shadows.