General discussion of surveillance history and Snowden revelations

General discussion of surveillance history and Snowden revelations The passage provides a broad overview of surveillance practices and historical context but does not contain specific, actionable leads, new allegations, or concrete details linking powerful actors to misconduct. Key insights: Mentions Snowden's disclosures about government collection of phone and internet data.; References historical surveillance by J. Edgar Hoover's FBI on civil rights leaders.; States that surveillance programs were authorized by the President, Congress, and federal judges.