[ypcx]

A distinction should always be made between the government and the elites who influence it to benefit their interests. Being a member of the elite doesn't preclude one of being a (high-ranking) member of the government, or becoming a member of elite that way.

[winternett]

There is usually a lot more accountability for corruption in being a government official than a private citizen in collecting and controlling private information. There is a lot more illicit profit in being corrupt as a private citizen than in being a government official who collects and holds private information.

This is why the government is the only one that should be authorized to hold LIMITED private information. Somehow it's mis-construed to private individuals and companies collecting UNLIMITED personal data on everyone. Strange times.