Permanent Record

Why do we care about one person’s choice to reveal classified information? In this story, a motivated insider risks security and livelihood to spark a crucial debate on democracy and human rights. From the onset, we see how hidden programs can shape decisions for millions of people who rarely notice—until the hidden comes to light.

What follows is a journey of self-discovery, fueled by a belief in a nation’s founding ideals, but complicated by the reality of unchecked authority. Readers witness the transformation of a patriotic youth into a man who could not remain silent.

Throughout the book, we see the evolutions of loyalty, secrecy, and the weight of conscience—topics that resonate far beyond intelligence circles. The introduction sets the tone for a deeply personal narrative that intersects with global implications.

As a child, the narrator found refuge in the glowing screen of early home computers. Struggling with strict classroom rules, he discovered online bulletin boards and learned how technology could transcend social barriers. Busy nights spent coding and playing with hardware brought both excitement and purpose.

Rather than tackling typical teenage escapades, he honed computing skills that would eventually lead him into the heart of national security. The allure of endless learning online shaped his worldview and sense of control.

Belonging to the first generation to grow up on the Internet, he experienced a virtual landscape free of strict identities, encouraging experimentation in anonymity. This environment fostered a lifelong curiosity, setting the stage for deeper technological pursuits.

Such early experiences also reveal the tension between moral responsibility and the thrill of hacking. Even then, he recognized that technology had the power to either liberate or ensnare—as it later would in his life.