Edward Snowden revealed classified details of extensive US government surveillance programs to the media in 2013. He is currently living in temporary asylum in Russia after being charged with theft and unauthorized communication of national defense information by the US. Snowden believes he acted correctly to inform the public about surveillance that collected data on innocent people without their knowledge. However, others argue he sabotaged legal government programs and endangered national security. Public opinion polls at the time showed Americans were divided on whether Snowden was a hero or traitor for his actions.