Why is all of this happening now?

At Maggie's Farm Bird Dog notes that the

Showdown over iPhone reignites the debate around privacy

Many Americans feel helpless in the face of government invasions into private life, all in the name of safety. We have police video cameras at every intersection. Cops are using fake cell towers to listen in on calls. They want to eliminate cash so private transactions can't be private. The EPA wants to police your land use. Etc, etc. Government agencies are militarizing. Why is all of this happening now?