What are the information systems security implications of consumer information being shared?

In Hepting v. AT&T, EFF sued the telecommunications giant on behalf of its customers for violating privacy law by collaborating with the NSA in the massive, illegal program to wiretap and data-mine Americans’ communications. Evidence in the case includes
undisputed evidence provided by former AT&T telecommunications technician Mark Klein showing AT&T routed copies of Internet traffic to a secret room in San Francisco controlled by the NSA.

Posting:

Why is the Hepting v. AT&T case crucial to the long-term posture of how the U.S. government can or cannot review consumer confidential information?

If Hepting v. AT&T results in “Big Brother” being allowed to eavesdrop and/or review the local and toll telephone dialing and bills of individuals, will U.S. citizens and consumers have any privacy rights left regarding use of communication technologies?

What are the information systems security implications of consumer information being shared?

Submission:

Your initial post is due Thursday by 11:55 PM. In your initial post, in no less than 500 words, answering each of the questions.