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By Clare O’Gara
Wed | Sep 18, 2019 | 4:14 AM PDT

Just about everyone knows Edward Snowden's history as the ultimate insider threat and whistleblower—the U.S. government especially.

But the government's latest problem with Snowden has some truly page-turning origins.

The U.S. Department of Justice just filed a civil lawsuit against Snowden for his new book, "Permanent Record."

What is the U.S. government saying about Snowden's new book?

The perspective of the government is simple: he didn't ask us first.

According to a statement by the DOJ, Snowden's book violates the nondisclosure agreement Snowden signed with both the CIA and the NSA.

"The lawsuit alleges that Snowden published his book without submitting it to the agencies for pre-publication review, in violation of his express obligations under the agreements he signed.

Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Snowden has given public speeches on intelligence-related matters, also in violation of his non-disclosure agreements."

What are the consequences for Snowden?

"Permanent Record" would certainly be an interesting choice for your next book club.

Because, yes, Snowden is still allowed to publish the book.

But he is facing some pretty serious consequences, according to the DOJ.

"The United States' lawsuit does not seek to stop or restrict the publication or distribution of Permanent Record.

Rather, under well-established Supreme Court precedent, Snepp v. United States, the government seeks to recover all proceeds earned by Snowden because of his failure to submit his publication for pre-publication review in violation of his alleged contractual and fiduciary obligations."

 G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, sums up the lawsuit this way:

"Intelligence information should protect our nation, not provide personal profit."

Check out the full press release for the lawsuit here.

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