Leaks from former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden triggered a much needed debate about surveillance in America, even if they jeopardised national security, the country’s spy chief admitted on Thursday.
“As loathe as I am to give any credit for what’s happened here, which is egregious,” said National Intelligence Director James Clapper, “I think it’s clear that some of the conversations that this has generated, some of the debate... actually probably needed to happen.”
Speaking at a conference in Washington, Clapper said the public debate about the best way to balance spying powers and privacy rights should “perhaps” have taken place earlier.
“So if there’s a good side to this, maybe that’s it,” he said.
His comments marked the first time a senior US intelligence official has acknowledged the leaks might not have had a solely negative impact.
Officials have previously labelled Snowden a traitor who endangered America’s interests and spies in the field.