[Stormieweather]

My point (obviously not well made) is that the truely intelligent criminals capable of catastrophic harm won't be traceable or trackable online.

So this effort by the Justice Department will net them nothing much other than the stupid people who can't be bothered or don't know how to stealth. Or, as you say, they will gain information worth millions which can be used to influence, prejudice, coerce, bully or brainwash the public.

I am 110% against such a thing as I agree that no good can come of it and it is indeed a slippery slope to complete loss of freedom. I've lived in countries where freedom was extremely curtailed, and know exactly how it feels.

Stormie