John Brunner wrote a novel called "The Shockwave Rider" in 1975. Technology has evolved for almost 40 years since that time, but the sociological commentary is still pretty valid.
@ DeadlyEarnest: I agree with you on one point: "I'd make damn sure that my Internet access had a router that did NOT allow them access to the Internet at all". Given some of the hidden capabilities of everyday hardware, this might be difficult. If you're a conspiracy theorist, the GUV'MINT already has its own backdoor access to all your hardware anyway.
I disagree with your last statement, "Beyond those uses it's more likely just a fancy toy set up." It's more than a toy setup; the implications are downright scary.