Abuse of power is a serious problem. It's hard to imagine that more regulation would stop bad actors like that judge, since he's already breaking the law.

I can't think of a way to keep privacy technologically without sacrificing the modern conveniences I very much appreciate. Uber in particular has dramatically improved my lifestyle. Google Maps as well.

Experiments like justin.tv show one solution to the problem. Justin Kan, during those 8 months he broadcast his life, would not have feared a secret wiretap. It might be a couple decades more, but I expect that eventually it'll be normal to wear a camera on your face. When everyone broadcasts, surveillance is meaningless.