Banks were mass surveillance devices before people talked about it on the internet. Probably before the internet in fact. Why do you think cash is so popular a

Banks were mass surveillance devices before people talked about it on the internet. Probably before the internet in fact. Why do you think cash is so popular among criminals? Maybe there are some new laws, but if the government suspects you of anything, they are definitely going to look at you bank account, and if you owe something, they can just take it. And they can definitely ask about any transaction, for tax reasons. And after all, that's how they got Al Capone. I find it ironic how people go through ridiculous lengths to secure their communication as if they were some high profile targets for governments and on the other hand have no problem going all cashless, exposing their entire life through their bank account, all in one convenient location. There is a flip side though. Banks are highly regulated. So while they will hand your life over if asked for in due process, they also have obligations of security and secrecy, so that they won't hand your life over without due process.