Part 5/10:
A significant point raised during the conversation concerned how data, which previously would have been ephemeral and quickly forgotten, is now stored indefinitely. This issue becomes particularly alarming when we consider "bulk collection," where data is aggregated indiscriminately, regardless of whether individuals have engaged in any illegal behavior. The government collects this data in anticipation that it may be useful for future investigations.
Snowden called attention to the involvement of numerous social media applications that further amplify surveillance, as these apps also maintain contact with their respective servers. The extensive collection of location data through GPS, Wi-Fi access points, and other means deepens the ramifications of bulk data accumulation.