Correct me here if I'm wrong, but Snowden did not try to hurt the same people he ideally was trying to please where the guy from the article did. That's the main difference. So, that basically boils down in Snowden's case as pleasing the people while screwing the government. On the opposite end, you have someone trying to please the people but also hurting the people and the company in one swoop, which is totally different.

On the topic specifically.

I believe that it's your responsibility to ensure issues are unearthed and brought to the right parties attention to be resolved in a professional manner if that's your job to do so. If not, then getting permissions is the correct steps to take BEFORE YOU step on another team members toes.

If you felt that your team members toes are of no concern of yours, then you have problems IMHO. Team members are not there for you to prove wrong and make them look bad regardless if they are management or not. God knows, if someone did that on my team, worlds would be shaking simply because we work together, not against each other.

That said, if all is right in the world and you can unearth some serious issues and get them reported, then do so. But, I agree, if the stars to not align in your favor, then as a professional, you can either drop it or leave.

BUT--BIG BUT HERE--if the issue results in the company as well yourself for being associated with that company in some type of criminal action, then you must take action with the appropriate channels outside the company. That's only if the company does not take action first. However, appropriate channels do not include releasing it to the public or trying to cause harm to prove a point. Appropriate channels would likely include someone a government organization that specializes in those matters.