[adventured]

That refrain, which is based in fear, requires but one simple response: nothing to hide, according to whom?

That invalidates their entire premise instantly, by pointing out that it is not their judgment that matters as to whether they have anything to hide.

People say that they have nothing to hide - in response to things like the NSA spying scandals - because they're terrified of confrontation. To say almost anything else is to challenge the government's authority, to say to them: you have no right to violate my constitutional rights and I refuse to accept it.

When you see someone cowering in fear behind that statement, remember what their mental state of mind likely is and re-approach how you discuss the spying with them, otherwise you'll find they will just turtle. It's far easier for most people to back down from confrontation than to challenge such extreme authority (the US Govt.).

[adaml_623]

You're correct that they are acting like a turtle. I was trying to re-frame the question of spying so that it didn't involve them personally.