Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor, infamous whistleblower and fugitive, is now on Twitter.
Can you hear me now? — Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 29, 2015
In a very symbolic move, the first account he chose to follow is @NSAGov.
Unsurprisingly, Twitter immediately erupted after his first tweet.
Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson was particularly enthusiastic about his arrival. Tyson, who recently interviewed Snowden, was happy to see a fellow "geek" on Twitter.
Opening a conversation with Edward @Snowden, who I recently interviewed on @StarTalkRadio.Geek? Traitor? Hero? — Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) September 29, 2015
Feeling a Geek vibe. Edward @Snowden, the man behind the global mass surveillance revelations. Welcome to @twitter. — Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) September 29, 2015
In his first tweet to another account, Snowden replied.
.@neiltyson Thanks for the welcome. And now we've got water on Mars! Do you think they check passports at the border? Asking for a friend. — Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 29, 2015
Looks like these two are now besties.
Ed @Snowden, If you visit Mars, I'd bet any life forms there will greet you with a sip of that water -- and a tourist visa. — Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) September 29, 2015
And, Ed @Snowden, glad to see the long exile hasn't affected your sense of humor. Staying busy? — Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) September 29, 2015
Ed @Snowden, many call you Hero, others Traitor. Whatever else you are, you're a Geek to me. What do you say to those labels? — Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) September 29, 2015
Snowden made it clear he's only been paying attention to the most important developments around the world. He's really taking advantage of all the Internet has to offer.
.@neiltyson Surveillance never sleeps, and secret projects @FreedomofPress are keeping me busy, but I still find time for cat pictures. — Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 29, 2015
Snowden remains a highly controversial figure. Some view him a traitor, others a hero, but many on Twitter seem enthused he's now an active member of the social media universe.
Edward @Snowden joins Twitter and so far is only following @NSAGov. Love it. — Dena Takruri (@Dena) September 29, 2015
Welcome to Twitter, Edward @Snowden! https://t.co/KhLePdFWY9 — Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) September 29, 2015
Yes! Welcome to Twitter. https://t.co/gUBQpET6Gg — Jack (@jack) September 29, 2015
Neil deGrasse Tyson obviously sees him as both a geek and a hero.
Even though he's stuck in Russia, it seems Snowden will now have ample opportunity to troll the US government.
Citations: A Conversation with Edward Snowden (Startalk)
