<i>&gt; Speaking privately is the rockbed of free speech. </i><p>I think you misunderstand what &quot;free speech&quot; is. Relevant xkcd: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;xkcd.com&#x2F;1357&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;xkcd.com&#x2F;1357&#x2F;</a><p>Note that &quot;speech&quot; here does not really mean &quot;any communication&quot;. Conspiring to commit a crime, while technically communication, is not the speech the First Amendment refers to. It&#x27;s more about expressing (political) opinions publicly. Otherwise, if the First Amendment means you cannot get arrested for speaking freely, why would you need privacy? ;)