Comment This will never work (Score 2) 321
This will never work because it assumes that the purpose of the surveillance state is to 'fight terrorism'.
This is incorrect. The purpose of the surveillance state is to consolidate power in the hands of the elite. The target isn't terrorists using keywords like 'bomb' etc. The targets are everyone, using whatever words they use and doing whatever they do in their normal life.
The real intention is to give those at the top, unlimited, total information surveillance powers against their enemies, WHOMEVER they may be at any time. You want that supreme court decision to go your way? Read the private email and listen to the private conversations of the swing justice to gain insight to his thinking and shape your arguments correctly. If that fails, use the information to blackmail him.
You want to influence the elections? Analyze the big-data you have on the entire population in the voting district to figure out their private thoughts on issues and advertise accordingly.
You want to start a war? Use the knowledge you have to leverage the actors you have creating mainstream news to shape the country's views.
There were already laws against bombing or shooting people. The terrorism is the slight of hand that allows you to target people who have not committed crimes.