The Snowden affair has resulted in the previously fully closed-off world of the intelligence services in the UK opening itself to external criticism, albeit minimally. This was the assessment provided by Caroline Wilson-Palow, General Counsel at the British civil rights organisation Privacy International, on Thursday, 15 December 2016, to the 1st Committee of Inquiry (NSA). In addition to her testimony, the Committee also heard from expert witness Eric King, director of the British civil rights coalition Don't Spy on Us.