Experts debate whether NFTs really need blockchain

Renowned NSA whistleblower and computer analyst Edward Snowden is the latest public figure to throw his hat into the digital collectible ring, with the launch of his first non-fungible token (NFT).

Titled "Stay Free", the NFT depicts the face of a pensive Edward Snowden as a cut-out, with the background made up of the complete documented court decision ruling that the National Security Agency's mass surveillance violated U.S. law. The portrait of Snowden was taken by prominent British photographer Platon, and was used with permission.

Edward Snowden is now on Foundation. 🌐

A vocal advocate for pioneering uses of technology to empower journalists, readers, and the public, @Snowden will release his first NFT tomorrow.

All proceeds will go to @FreedomofPress.


— Foundation 🌐 (@withFND) April 15, 2021

NFTs are unique crypto tokens that can be used to lend scarcity to digital content such as images and videos. In recent months there's been an explosion of interest in them, with artists selling NFT images and GIFs for millions of dollars.