In the NBC News poll, 24 percent said they back Snowden’s release of information about how government agencies collect intelligence data to media outlets, compared with 34 percent who disagree with his actions.

Another 40 percent said they didn’t have an opinion. Yet among those who say they’ve closely followed the story, 49 percent oppose Snowden’s actions and 33 percent support them.

The poll shows a striking difference of opinion in Snowden by age. Those ages 18 to 34 tend support Snowden’s actions, by 32 percent to 20 percent, and view him a favorable light, compared with all other age groups who don’t.

The overall numbers are essentially unchanged from a January 2014 NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, when 23 percent of registered voters said they supported Snowden’s actions, versus 38 percent who opposed them.