According to Wikipedia,

“Mass surveillance is the pervasive surveillance of an entire or a substantial fraction of a population. The surveillance is usually carried out by governments, often surreptitiously, but may also be done by corporations at the behest of governments or at their own initiative.”

The government says that mass surveillance is necessary to fight terrorism, prevent social unrest, protect our national security, and to protect children. 
However, mass surveillance is condemned as a violation of our right to privacy. Thoughts of phrases like Big Brother and police state come to mind.

If you think that the Internet is the only way that anyone (government – corporation – individual) can snoop into your life. Think Again. Old fashioned wire tapping is still big. Years ago, I traveled to Romania as a business woman, after the fall of the dictator, Ceaușescu. I almost couldn’t contain my ROFL when I saw a stray wire up in the chandelier over my head. I stood up on my bed, reached into the chandelier and pulled out a bunch of wires and a little listening device. Feeling vulnerable and a little scared, I looked up at the large wall of mirrors in front of my bed. I convinced myself someone was not only listening, but they were watching too. So, I started to talk some gibberish, to whomever that someone was who was watching/listening/recording my movements and conversations hoping to hear anything – everything – a phone call –  a conversation – about me.

That can happen anywhere. The world is full of all kinds of hackers who steal credit cards and identities, and governments that “legally” snoop on emails, texts, and phone calls. Hmmmm. I’m just saying . . .