And what is that "ugly truth?" That the probability of your communications being read is slim to none?

Like in Brave New World people in the US today are only concerned with their own bubble environments. We have TV, the internet, blockbuster Hollywood films, restaurants, alcohol, weed, 3 car garages, partying etc. People care less about philosophy, theology, history because in a way it has no bearing in their life. Thats why when the government does and will continue to erode liberties, as long as they give us the comforts and pleasures of life there will be very minimal opposition and the ones that do stand up will be ridiculed and drowned out by the majority.

I am as pragmatic as you in this respect, but you can't deny that this type of domestic espionage will eventually end up in the wrong hands. Used in smear campaigns, blackmail, etc.

I believe it already is and that is the part that Snowden isn't talking about, these programs have little to nothing to do with national security.

We can do and expect what we want as long as the center of power is democratically with the people. If you watch the film you will see that corporations are assisting with this surveillance, "deputized" as Snowden put it.

Snowden

This is kinda how I feel too.

If I send a text to someone, I obviously understand that the phone company has control of that data and the have employees I don't know. They could use their power to look at my stuff if they want to or share that information, that's the deal. Also, I've seen enough fantastic movies about superhackers and shit to realize that any data on the internet is vulnerable even if employees are honest.

Why anyone would have other expectations is baffling to me.

This post was edited by kayeto on Apr 7 2015 01:57pm

We aren't talking about the activity of unethical people who have access, we are talking about organizations where that behavior is their modus operandi.

The fact that unethical behavior is a possibility should negate the existence of expectation of privacy.

One we all understand that 'expectation of privacy' is retarded concept that has no place in any conversation, then we will be at a good starting point to have a discussion about organizations for whom that behavior is their modus operandi.

In 10 years, they have managed to catch 1 guy giving 8k to terrorist, I think my childhood blanky provides more "National Security".

Edward Snowden

An American Hero