And would you claim that it is “guaranteed” that nothing will actually happen in the future? And are you going to claim that nothing has happened in the past with these types of companies violating their privacy terms?

You can’t guarantee anything, neither outside your company, nor within your company, nor with your employees. Are you then sitting stagnant in a corner because nothing can be “guaranteed”? Or will you spend a lot of time/money appearing to “ensure” safety in your organization, which is “guaranteed” until it is no longer possible? Like you spent a lot of time/money on one detail, while the rest of your company collapsed around you?

The company is made up of people who could be having a bad day, being corrupted or blackmailed. The assumptions you have now could be completely wiped off the map or are already there and you don’t know it, etc.

From a party like MS or Google, you can assume that what has been contractually agreed will be adhered to, until proven otherwise (which proves problematic).

You’re probably imagining a lot about your “hero” Snowden, his motivations, etc. I see it a little differently… Personally, I have more confidence in a company like MS, which can be held accountable in the Netherlands or the EU, instead. Fleeing to the “enemy” to avoid responsibility. Obtaining the status of a martyr without becoming a martyr is a kind of cheating.

Criticism is absolutely your right and mine, and the problem arises when it jeopardizes your performance, as a person and/or company. And what I’m hearing from you on this subject is a little on the wrong side of paranoia…