I think it's better to avoid encryption unless it's for really sensitive information or knowledge that could hurt you if broadcast. Using Tor or Truecrypt essentially paints a target on your back: you are paradoxically more likely to be under surveillance by agencies if you use them, even if you aren't concealing anything illegal or reprehensible.
"Using Tor or Truecrypt essentially paints a target on your back: you are paradoxically more likely to be under surveillance by agencies if you use them..."
"Paradoxically" you say. I don't think there's a paradox here. I think it's far too rare that people use these tools to protect themselves, and therefore the surveillance community sees it as a potential flag worth investigating.
Therefore, we should all use these tools, make them common place, and force them to learn to be efficient at their jobs tracking down actual risks.
I agree wholeheartedly, but that's like saying we should make everyone use condoms all the time to eliminate AIDS. A perfect solution that is unfortunately unfeasible.
