[chrisbridgett]

That's very true/a good point. Stale information would be a lot less useful to them though. i.e. Encrypted conversation between two terrorists happens today, attack happens tomorrow, NSA learn about their conversation 5 years later when it's economical to decrypt.

I know this is beside the point though. What I mean to say, is what can be done other than encryption and using tor-like networks for anonymity?

Nobody can be sure that they are/n't being watched, period. Heck, if it wasn't for Edward Snowden we'd still be none the wiser.

Whose to say there aren't dozens of other programs in place that aren't in the public eye?

It's not like you can even opt-out of holding accounts with large tech companies targeted by PRISM since it's easy for them to just tap your network traffic through ISPs.

As long as there is a government, nobody can be sure whether we are or aren't being watched. What 'fundamental change' could be made that would stop this?

[kimlelly]

Lots of small governments with small budgets.

Instead of that 1 point-of-failure-and-corruption that we have today.

That way, "government" really belongs to those who it is supposed to serve: the People.

PS: "Decentralization" is the word I was looking for. Just like the Internet is supposed to be used, in order to remain sane.

[rolledover]

This. No government should be allowed to become so large in power that its people cannot rise against it. The government is for the people by the people. With all the greed and fear mongering, it just feels like it's not going to happen this way though...