Whistleblower Edward Snowden to join SFU via video link for discussion on the promise and peril of big data

It's fair to describe an upcoming guest to SFU as controversial.

Depending on who you ask, he’s a whistleblower and American patriot, or a traitor and notorious fugitive who deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison.

On April 5, former NSA contractor Edward Snowden will participate in a live discussion via a video link at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

CBC journalist Laura Lynch will moderate the event. The evening will focus on the “power, promise and peril of big data”, and also touch on human rights, privacy, and security. Expert panellists from SFU and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association will also be in attendance.

SFU has said audience members will have an opportunity to ask Snowden questions via Twitter using the hashtag #snowdenbigdata.

The event is part of the SFU president’s ongoing speaking series on big data.

Tickets are on sale now and priced at $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. More information is available at SFU’s Public Square website.