Power corrupts.
Indeed. The “Big Data” analytical tools available today are enormously powerful. Their capabilities are beyond the comprehension of most Americans who don’t keep up with advancements in the information technology field. These tools require careful oversight of their use to avoid “mission creep” and intrusive and unauthorized violations of citizen privacy.
These incidents were bound to happen. But sadly they will continue as bureaucracies are used to operating sub rosa and deceiving congress when necessary.