Is it common knowledge that they do that sort of thing, and is it acceptable to people involved in Scientology?
It wasn't when I was in. The notes from auditing sessions are said to be sacred and private. Once people start to doubt that, welllll, the whole house of cards starts to collapse.
There are policy letters specifically calling for a vigorous search of into the lives of anyone who dares criticize the church and broad exposure of any crimes or peccadilloes exposed. Generally public is only peripherally aware of these goings on, they are kept focused on their coursework, and sessions.
The more exposure these activities get the less inclined people become to maintain close relations with the church.
From some of the reports given on this thread, it looks like they are starting to implode. Finally.