Permanent Record (novel)

Permanent Record is a 2019 novel by Edward Snowden, published by Metropolitan Books. It details Snowden's personal history, leading up to his decision to leak classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA).

The book recounts Snowden's childhood fascination with computers and the internet, his early career in IT, and his eventual employment with the CIA and NSA. It describes his growing disillusionment with the mass surveillance programs he witnessed and the ethical considerations that led him to become a whistleblower.

Permanent Record also covers the aftermath of the leaks, Snowden's flight from the United States, and his current life in exile in Russia. It explores the broader implications of mass surveillance for privacy, democracy, and individual liberty. The book received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its insights into the surveillance state and Snowden's motivations, while others questioned its accuracy and objectivity.