Since the Internet is still quite young in political timescales, isn't it conceivable that the idea that Internet surveillance equals security" is a new one introduced by the government, even if the "security above freedom" idea is older?

All it really would take to plant such an idea in the public consciousness is mentioning the technology one wants to control in the same breath as an existing boogeyman, and the people will do the rest. Look at how authorities were so quick to blame encryption and Snowden for Paris when there was no evidence supporting that blame.