[rapind]

U.S. policy is greatly influenced by corporations. Let's assume that an alternative non-american gmail shows up with most of the key functionality in place but with extensive user privacy being a selling point. I for one would switch in a heartbeat. I think a lot of other technically minded people would as well. Many of which are probably influential when it comes to technology decisions among their peers. It doesn't have to be a mass exodus. A trickle of influential can turn into a tide. We've see it before, especially with internet companies.

Google's a data company. They're definitely going to see this and if it's non-trivial then they're going to react. Lawyers and lobbying ensues. Policy may be affected.