The only part of this I take exception to is "if you really require references then you haven't been paying attention".

I have been paying attention ... to some of what's going on. I'm aware of certain specific cases of domestic espionage through telecoms and tech.

However, providing concrete references always beats roaming the streets with a tinfoil hat on your head declaring "They're watching! The rays!".

NB: if I take a covert photo of a guy wearing a tinfoil hat, does that make me The Man?