PRISM is a surveillance program initiated by the National Security Agency (NSA) in the United States. It was revealed in 2013 by former contractor Edward Snowden. The program collects data from major technology companies to monitor online communications and gather intelligence on foreign threats. The data collected through PRISM includes emails, chats, and other digital communications. While proponents argue it helps protect national security, critics raise concerns about privacy violations and the potential for misuse of information. The program has sparked ongoing debates about the balance between security and individual rights.