Considering how necessary it is to exist and thrive in the developed world, I'd say yes. Good luck getting by without email or accessing online services without reliable internet access.
I've seen the video and yeah, the only thing that would probably stick is the damage to public property because he didn't bring a bucket/container to burn the flag in.
If it's a search for something that can't be readily described, I'd say it's because we're starved for useful/actionable/interesting information sometimes.
They're already struggling because very few international students feel safe in the US now. Much of the research at the UCs is performed by international students.
Pretty small if you have to ask. Privacy isn't all or nothing. Depends on your threat model too. If you want an iPhone go buy one.