Yeah. You just keep telling yourself that your government would never do anything like this, that it's just an American thing.
Oh, you misunderstand me.
My government is part of the 5 eyes, and is guilty of this exact same kind of reciprocal arrangement.
I think it's all pathetic. But I also think it's being largely driven by the US, because since 9/11 it has become increasingly the case where the US will do anything for their own security. And I have great fears that they're the ones creating the global surveillance state.
But, make no mistake about it, I believe all governments participating in this are undermining rights and freedoms, including my own. The rest of the world hasn't consented to this, it's being done to us by secret treaties, and bypassing our own courts.
The problem is FAR too many people are saying "well, it's OK, as long as they're doing it for our security".
Sooner or later, with this level of widespread surveillance, we'll all be fucked. Because secret agencies will know every damned thing about you, and sooner or later, my worst tin-foil hat fears will come to be normal.
I don't think America is the only one doing this. But I do lay the blame squarely at the feet of the US for feeling it's their right to spy on every goddamned person on the planet.
When did the security of the US trump the rights of everyone else? Who the hell agreed to that?
Papers please, comrade. If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear.