From hard issues to hot topics, HashtagVOA explores what people are talking about on social media. And it’s a program in which you, the viewer, can join the worldwide conversation through Facebook and Twitter.

With the release of the new film “Snowden” comes a new push for clemency for US whistleblower. Three of the largest human rights groups have launched a new petition, requesting President Obama to pardon Edward Snowden for spilling secrets while working at the National Security Agency while others say he must face prosecution. On this week’s HashtagVOA, we look at the debate and why saving Snowden has become a cause for many.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sought to make a statement on racial bais when he chose not to stand for the National Anthem during a pre-season football game. Instead, he set off a social media firestorm. HasshtagVOA looks at the issues surrounding this story – from patriotism and free speech, to reputation and economics.

A year-long “mission to Mars” wraps up in Hawaii. A SpaceX rocket explodes in Florida. An Earth-like planet is discovered around our nearest neighboring star. And a historic DNA mapping in space that could lead us to aliens. It’s been a week full of developments in the perpetual quest to reach even further and farther into space. HashtagVOA has the latest on the innovations, setbacks and the potential for extraterrestrial life.

The disputes between China and its neighbors over the South China Sea threaten to cast a shadow over September’s G20 Meeting. Adding to the uncertainty, the upcoming US presidential election. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, are promising to crack down on Beijing on an array of issues. Plus, both want to scuttle the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. On this week’s HashtagVOA, we talk about the changing political winds in Asia.

Pokemon GO may with the biggest mobile game in US history with 100 million downloads and counting. With any new craze, some see legitimate business and educational opportunities, while others, including some governments, see potential threats, ranging from personal safety to “data mining” and national security. On this HashtagVOA, we discuss the fascination with Pokemon Go & why people are talking about it.

On this week’s HashtagVOA, we look at the Summer Games from a marketing and social media point of view, and how this impacts the athletes.

Many of America’s top cybersecurity executives are gathering in Las Vegas this week for an annual conference known as Black Hat 2016. Organizers say hacking remains a major concern and that many of the country’s digital infrastructure is vulnerable, as demonstrated by a series of recent high-profile attacks on consumer companies and political organizations. So what can be done to keep information safe? On this week’s HashtagVOA, we ask a few experts for answers.

The nominating process in the US presidential election is almost complete. The Republicans formally chose Donald Trump at their national convention last week. Now this week, it’s the Democrats’ turn with Hillary Clinton on center stage. But how do candidates stay the course as social media becomes a major news source and how does it all ultimately play in the polls. On this week’s HashtagVOA, we ask the people to help manage the message.

On this week’s HashtagVOA, we look at the social media conversation people are having about the recent shootings in Baton Rouge, Minneapolis and Dallas, and get deeper perspective from a reporter covering the protests, a criminal justice expert, a clinical psychologist, and former police officer who now trains police in the use of force.