Except that phone 'hacking' is illegal as I understand it and against privacy laws. Is any public good really achieved by extreme intrusions even for sporting heroes or politicians. The public good is more likely IMO to be grossly harmed by allowing such practices.

The legal framework should draw the line somewhere, and it does for the most part. That is then a job for the Courts to hear cases for compensation and make judgements.

I am not sure about placing tracking devices on cars - I am assuming that is illegal without the consent of the owner/driver but can anyone shed any light?