Data Mining and the Matrix

The Black Economist (as one might imagine) has a great deal of interest in data mining and the resulting predictive analytics. Blackness is a quantifiable (as well as qualitative) variable after all.
Recent revelations of it taking place on a grand scale with data provided by phone companies is the very tip-top of a large iceberg running head long into civilization as we know it.
There are no constraints on the government asking other entities for the same assistance. That, given the large amount of information they already compel and possess, can lead the mind into conspiracy theories far beyond any imagined in the Matrix (Hal Varian's or the movie, take your pick) if only because they would be 'real.'
Many large corporations base critical business decisions on analysis of customer and market data so it is no surprise that the government does the same thing. The governments use of such techniques is far more dangerous however because while you cannot be forced to patronize a business the government does compel you to participate.