I think it's safe to say that as soon as a computer is connected to the internet, it's no longer 100% secure. It doesn't make any difference how much hardware and software protection between your computer and the rest of the world, if you can get out, somebody who is determined enough and skilled enough can get in.
If any government, U.S. or any other, want to monitor your online activities, I'm betting it'll get done, with or without any nefarious, underhanded collusion by Microsoft.
Many other governments do not operate under the same restrictions as those that respect individual rights. I wonder if anybody is watching them and their computer survelliance.
