In this episode of the Ars Technicast, Ars Tech Policy Editor Joe Mullin joins hosts Social Editor Cesar Torres and Ars Associate Writer Casey Johnston to talk about our coverage of NSA and its prime leaker, Edward Snowden.

Recently, Ladar Levinson, the owner of secure e-mail service Lavabit (used by Snowden in the past), shut down the service. As Joe points out, the shutdown was almost certainly due to demands made on Levinson by the US government. We also discuss a recent Congressional vote on the NSA phone dragnet as it cut through partisan lines. Joe provides insights on his story about Ed Snowden’s former life in IRC chat rooms and in the Ars OpenForum. Finally, we take a look at the recent job cuts inside the NSA and talk about the lack of transparency in the government’s interpretation of the law and its implications for future legislation and reform.

What are your thoughts on the controversies surrounding the NSA and the legislation that governs privacy? Share your opinions with us in the comments below.

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