So why aren't the journalist who wrote about the surveillance programs being arrested? Maybe because the government understands that that is their right / free

So why aren't the journalist who wrote about the surveillance programs being arrested? Maybe because the government understands that that is their right / free speech. Snowden is not the same as the journalist. He took that contractor position knowing that he couldn't talk about what he saw. He signed a NDA saying he understood his position would expose him to classified material AND he understands that talking about such information with uncleared[1] people is illegal. If you are interested to read the exact NDA he signed you are freely able to, https://www.fas.org/sgp/isoo/new_sf312.pdf https://www.fas.org/sgp/isoo/new_sf312.pdf, is the approved NDA for all agencies that administer security clearances[2]. Snowden does know all about illegal speech, because he did break his NDA and he knew ahead of time what the consequences were going to be. Journalist were not bound by such a NDA with the US Government, so they can go and write about whatever they want to without fear of being arrested. [1] Just because you have the appropriate level of security clearance doesn't mean you get to see any classified materials. You must also have a "Need to Know". [2] You will sign one of these MULTIPLE times throughout your career. You sit in a room while the security manager reads it to you, after every paragraph you are asked if you have any questions and if you understand what that section means. Edited for format.