I'd argue that despite encryption, the big shift in surveillance is how easy it's becoming. Message content may be somewhat safe (assuming neither endpoint was

I'd argue that despite encryption, the big shift in surveillance is how easy it's becoming. Message content may be somewhat safe (assuming neither endpoint was compromised, which has gotten easier than ever to do. Just plant a bug, or point a camera at your target while they type in their password), but metadata is as vulnerable and valuable as ever. As is tracking massive numbers of people through cell-phones, facial recognition, omnipresent cameras, surveillance drones that can remain airborne for days and cover whole cities... I could go on.