[squarefoot]

I share similar views, and certainly would be a lot more concerned if my government had access to all my personal data and communications, rather than the Chinese one, which very likely doesn't give a damn about who I am. Yes, every country has its share of dirty history to be ashamed of, but the difference with places like China, Russia and others is that in our "western" countries we can (still) as citizens criticize the powers without expecting to be detained, have the house raided, lose our jobs and whatnot. Things may change in the future in my country, especially after the new wave of neofascist crooks that went in power lately, but we're not yet at that point.