Edward Snowden’s artwork ‘Stay Free’ sells for over $5.4 million

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A non-fungible token (NFT) artwork by National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden created ripples as it was sold for more than $5.4 million.</p>
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Titled “Stay Free”, the artwork combines the entirety of a landmark US court decision ruling the National Security Agency's (NSA) mass surveillance violated the law, with the iconic portrait of the whistleblower.</p>
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The funds will benefit the Freedom of the Press Foundation, where Snowden is the president.</p>
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"FIVE POINT FIVE MILLION from @PleasrDAO. It feels like the whole staff of @FreedomOfPress is watching live, and we've never seen anything like this. This is more than a spectacle," Snowden tweeted.</p>
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"Emerging applications of cryptography can play an important role in supporting our rights. This auction will drive the development of valuable and privacy-protecting uses of encryption, to safeguard press freedom and serve the public," he added.</p>
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It was in 2013, Snowden hit the headlines as he leaked information on US intelligence's methods of electronic surveillance, including illegally eavesdropping on foreign leaders.</p>
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Fleeing punitive consequences from US federal authorities, Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries, including Russia.</p>
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It was on August 1, 2014, that Snowden received a Russian residence permit valid for three years, which was later extended for another three years.</p>
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In the US, Snowden faces two counts of violating the Espionage Act. He may risk up to 10 years in prison on each of the counts.</p>
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The US authorities have repeatedly stated that they consider Snowden to have caused grave damage to national security.</p>
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"We have a winner, internet friends. I want to extend a very special thanks to everyone who followed this over the last 24 hours, and the deepest gratitude from EVERYONE at our @FreedomofPress to those who bid on our charity event. You help us make a better world. Stay free!," Snowden said in a tweet.</p>
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NFTs allow people to buy and sell ownership of unique digital items and keep track of who owns them using the Blockchain. NFT stands for "non-fungible token," and it can technically contain anything digital, includin<em>g </em>drawings, artwork, tweets, animated GIFs, songs or even video games.</p>
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<em>(With inputs from IANS)</em></p>