The key phrase is “shall include.” The RFP does not expressly limit the data collection to messages sent only to EOP maintained pages.
Even if this really smelly program doesn’t have a much broader application planned—and I am not at all convinced they don’t—this is a hugely dangerous precedent. All government programs exploit to the max the tiniest loophole, and interpret even the tightest-range authority in its very broadest possible way. And that goes for all administrations. With this one, we’ve got a real problem on our hands.
I know your call for caution is not meant as a blanket defense, and your reasoned approach would make sense if we were dealing with an administration with a track record of restraint. But this administration has already given us ample reason to reject a default assumption of restraint and respect for individual liberties and personal privacy.
I simply do not trust these people. At all.
Excellent reply. I agree, they have forfeited trust.