There are also knock-on social effects of normalizing privacy. If using Signal, for example, is seen as just normal behavior, then it’s less likely to freak out an abuser when their victim uses it “for work”. If private email services are normal, then it’s less likely a corrupt org will flag it as whistleblower activity.

Do these advantages also mean it’s harder to find and prevent malicious activity and crime? Yep. And that sucks. But it’s a good trade: I’d happily miss a few criminals if it means protecting good people’s ability to escape danger or hold power accountable.