And the way they were talking made it seem like there wasn't much of an approval or limitation process for these methods.

Its quite literally "I wonder what my X is doing on her computer right now........ lets find out :D"

So, I have a bit of insight as I used to associate with some NSA agents.

As of 2021, the NSA is still fully capable of reading emails, accessing webcams, and monitoring cell communications. All without the users consent.

I am willing to bet there access is larger then what I've discovered/been told.