Edward Snowden: Mass Surveillance Didn't Stop Paris Attacks

French intelligence did not prevent the Paris attacks despite benefitting from "most intrusive" surveillance laws because suspects are "buried under data", US whistleblower Edward Snowden said on Wednesday.

"France passed one of the most intrusive, expansive surveillance laws in all of Europe last year and it didn't stop the attack," the former US intelligence contractor told Dutch state broadcaster NOS in an interview.

The French parliament passed a controversial law in December 2013 that facilitates police and intelligence agencies' access to telephone and Internet data in the fight against militants and organised crime.