Edward Snowden identifies himself as source of NSA leaks - as it happened

A former CIA worker has revealed himself as the source of leaked information on a secret US spy programme that harvests internet and phone records of US citizens and foreigners.

Edward Snowden, a current employee of defence contractor Booz Allen Hamilton, said he leaked information on the Prism programme to protect "basic liberties for people around the world".

"I do not want to live in a world where everything I do and say is recorded. That is not something I am willing to support or live under."

In an interview with The Guardian newspaper, the 29-year-old said he had no intention of hiding "because I have done nothing wrong", but was aware that his actions had made him a target for US agencies.