The problem is mission creep. The Patriot Act was enacted to fight terrorism. But the powers granted by the act have been utilized in over 100 times as many drug related cases as terrorism related cases [1].
To think that these surveillance capabilities won't be used to gain political and economical advantages is foolish. Der Spiegel has an article claiming that OPEC is being spied upon by the NSA and GCHQ. [2]
Considering the track record of these agencies conveniently redefining common English words, such as "collect", who is to say what constitutes a "national security interest"?
I still find it creepy and unhealthy for security as a whole.
If a backdoor is planted on a system for monitoring purposes for example then it is a potential security flaw which could be exploited by anyone, not just the deeply caring and forever protective authorities. Am I wrong?
To think that these surveillance capabilities won't be used to gain political and economical advantages is foolish. Der Spiegel has an article claiming that OPEC is being spied upon by the NSA and GCHQ. [2]
Considering the track record of these agencies conveniently redefining common English words, such as "collect", who is to say what constitutes a "national security interest"?
[1] http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/patriot-ac...
[2] http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/how-the-nsa-and-gc...