> Something like 9-11 happens and we blame our national security officials. Something like the Boston Marathon happens and we do the same. Lots of people might

> Something like 9-11 happens and we blame our national security officials. Something like the Boston Marathon happens and we do the same. Lots of people might, but a lot of the younger generation most certainly doesn't - these are black swan events. Given that they don't happen more often, I'd say the Government have more than enough power - you can't stop 100% of terrorism, just like you can't stop 100% of crime. > We should have a very high threshold for using these communications against people, and making sure they can only be used for matters of the people's security. We already have laws which empower the Government with additional powers in cases of "national security". The result? Suddenly, drug busts are national security. Now, that's not to say the Government should not have some well-thought-out powers to combat terrorism if they actually need them. What they have now, and what you are proposing, is not well-thought-out.