ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton described Edward Snowden as “sort of an imperfect messenger,” who has raised questions about whether the nation can use technology to protect national security without destroying liberty and right to privacy.

Clinton, who made technology the theme of his speech to midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy, said he believes President Barack Obama has taken the issue very seriously and has made important recommendations for greater government oversight and transparency. But the former president said he thinks the nation will need to design technological systems so it’s clear to people they protect both personal privacy and national security.