If it's "Only metadata" then why is it so valuable that you have collect it?<p>No, if you want information about me - you need probable cause and a warrant. Thanks.<p>But if you really want to make a case for it, collect metadata on each and every person employed by the government not just voted in representatives, but their staff and special interests too and make it publicly accessible for a year before seeking to implement legislation.<p>You know ... if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear, right? Lead by example. etc etc etc.
Seeing the metadata for a site you visited <i>is</i> the content. If you know the URL, the "contents of that URL" aren't private.<p>Also the US government seems to kill people based on "just metadata", so clearly it's pretty important to these wannabe oppressive governments.