For some, a "nanny state" is one which regulates things like gas mileage on cars, creates speed limits, doesn't allow the sale of alcohol to minors, doesn't allow minors to sign contracts that sort of thing. Takes away some freedom, some choices, in the alleged interest of the common welfare.

Some people regard a State which monitors and reads one's email, taps and records one's phone calls, peruses one's cell phone records, a State which can secretly arrest and detain a person indefinitely on the whim of the Leader, a State in which it is illegal to lie to the police but the police can lie to the citizens, all that sort of thing, some people define as a "nanny state".

Maybe the "nanny state" is for the benign version. And "fascism" is the more malevolent, malignant variety.

Arf