[jgrahamc]

You've carefully avoided stating an opinion on these actions of our security services, but presented it as a fait accompli that we may as well just live with

You want my opinion? I agree: it's very dangerous for the state to have detailed information about an individual's life. The potential for abuse is enormous.

[grey-area]

Thank you. I find that information far more interesting than whether you are surprised by surveillance, but perhaps that's just me.