First of all, we should remind ourselves not to do dumb things in general. Here's an article at Bankrate.com about what to do and not do:
Five Ways To Expose Yourself To Identity Theft
Secondly, remember the old movies and TV shows that depict really short telephone numbers and live operators who can overhear conversations? In principle, all communications systems can be party lines. If a conversation is to be private, keep it off of the system (whatever system takes control of the material away from you). And don't discuss it in restaurants or crowded elevators.
Thirdly, if an employer is dumb enough to disqualify you for a job or promotion due to internet remarks, perhaps they don't deserve you. On the other hand, if you're dumb enough to broadcast professionally damaging material about, connected to or from yourself, perhaps they were right to check.
Fourthly, the proper way to handle the legal aspects of information exposure is to start with the reconstitution of the Patriot Act, rolling back its more invasive aspects as mentioned in my earlier post, plus adding big penalties for official abuse of information discovered in "fishing expedition" fashion. The issues here do not concern a particular agency; the issues are about evidence collection as such.
Fifthly, remember that as above, it's not just the agency in the news right now that does information collection. Technology is getting more affordable all the time, such that state and local agencies, less-affluent crooks and even nosy neighbors can buy things with capabilities that were fantasies in 1960's spy movies.
So, don't blame the computer or the phone. We must keep track of what's possible to officials with bad judgement, what's possible in the enacting of bad law, and what's possible when you don't think before you act.
