Thoughtcrime is relative

The frightening thing about tyranny is that it's inconsistent. It may be repressive, but it doesn't have to be even handed about it. Tyrants can change the rules at will depending on everything from influence to mere whim. That is the definition of tyranny. In Oceania, nothing is technically illegal, but Heaven help you if you transgress the unwritten rules.

Unless, of course, it's politically costly to squash you.