If they can install hardware in companies and run data collection programs, I don't see why wouldn't they be directing the data collection policies too.
You're delusional if you think the landscape 10 years ago is the same now. Companies are much less likely to simply capitulate to governments now. In fact, the references you make here are why they're less likely to allow these kinds of things.
It looks really bad for them, and it affects their bottom line when these things come out. When public trust in your service is crucial to its existence, you can spend more on lawyers to fight the government about it.
Right, companies are extralegal vigilantes fighting against the oppressive governments together with the people.
Are you sure that you are not the delusional one by claiming that this(working with the governments) affects their bottom line? How much money the law abiding government friendly companies lost so far?
or Room 641A: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Room_641A
If they can install hardware in companies and run data collection programs, I don't see why wouldn't they be directing the data collection policies too.