Edward Snowden joins Twitter

Edward Snowden, the former government contractor who leaked National Security Agency (NSA) documents about the agency's surveillance programs, has officially joined Twitter.

Snowden sent out his first tweet on Tuesday afternoon from his verified account, and less than an hour after joining had gained more than 100,000 followers. He is following just one account back: the NSA.

His Twitter profile reads, "I used to work for the government. Now I work for the public. Director at @FreedomofPress."

Last week Snowden appeared in New York via video to launch a campaign promoting an international treaty to protect privacy.

The former National Security Agency systems analyst appeared from Moscow via a video link on Thursday at a forum in Manhattan about the so-called "Snowden Treaty."

Advocates say the treaty would curtail mass surveillance of phone calls and online activity.

Snowden called the surveillance "a global problem" that affects everyone.

The treaty also would give international protection to people who expose illegal domestic spying.

The gathering coincided with the United Nations General Assembly. Organizers say diplomats have shown interest in a draft of the treaty. But the organizers have declined to name what nations they're from.

Snowden faces charges in the U.S. for leaking details of the once-secret surveillance programs.

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• Edward Snowden
• National Security Agency