Restore the Fourth originated from the social media website Reddit, shortly after the information leak by Edward Snowden, which exposed the US National Security Agency's (NSA) mass surveillance programs, most notably the PRISM program.

[citation needed][3] From there, Restore the Fourth moved to Snoonet, which is an IRC network for Reddit communities.

[12] In Munich, Germany, protesters gathered in front of the U.S. Consulate wearing Edward Snowden masks.

[12] Further rallies were held on Orwell Day (August 4) to push for the passage of the USA Freedom Act and to call for the shutting down of the growing network of fusion centers across the United States.

[citation needed][14] From November 2013 to April 2014, the organization saw a period of significant turnover, before relaunching with national elections in May 2014 as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit with 25 chapters around the country, under the leadership of Alex Marthews.