The Data listening project (Was it called CARNIVORE?) was introduced to us, and proven after the attacks on 9.11.01. Many suspected terrorists were found and brought in during the week that followed, with a lot of mention of how they were found using this technology.
This is a system that is costly to run, with little results (At least during some research of it). When the Whitehouse decided to shut down the flag@ project, I suppose they shut it down with such little resistance because they had a more effective, nay, _sinister_ system ready to go.
I also have no reason to doubt that system is in play today, now, with a focus on FR.
We dont use a computer.
We have since 98 had MSN Webtv.
We do not get streaming video/u tube.
But we primarly use it to read FR and check Earthquake/recipes/google and some email.
So nothing for the Gov to snatch up.
They could I suppose block FR at the MSN Webtv headquarters.