[estearum]

Of course it's relevant!

A country that siphons up data and then arrests you for saying mean things about Dear Leader is a lot, a lot worse than a country that siphons up data and then basically can't do anything with it.

I don't think it should be downplayed, but it certainly isn't the same. It just isn't. It's ridiculous and counterproductive to describe it as such.

[simjnd]

Where have I claimed that it isn't worse, or that it is the same?

[estearum]

> I don't see why we are downplaying it by saying it's worse elsewhere

This would suggest it is not worse elsewhere? Or are you saying it is worse elsewhere, but it being worse elsewhere is not a reason to downplay it here? Which, I agree with.