Sooner or later, the vast treasure-trove of data that has been collected will be exploited for the purposes of blackmailing, intimidating, harrassing, stalking, or stealing the identities of powerful individuals.

And sooner or later, news that this has happened will leak to the media, and there will be widespread fear and outrage among the powerful.

Then, and only then, can we expect anything meaningful to get done.

Until that point, expect a lot of talk, but no walk.

Some years back, it was revealed that the US had bugged the offices of foreign dignitaries at the United Nations. It was just just a blip in the news. Sure, there was some grumbling, but nothing was done. And now we can see that the practice continues.

Besides, all these countries spy on each other. What do you think their spy agencies are for? Do you really think that their spying is only reserved for their "enemies"? Do you think they can resist using their sophisticated spying technologies to spy on their allies? Is anyone really suprised?

I personally would be surprised if they didn't spy on their allies -- just as I would be if the US suddenly started using swords on the battlefield because they were more honorable weapons than guns which kill from a safe distance.

Welcome to the world of Machiavelli and realpolitik. We don't live in Disneyland.