Surveillance

Definition

Surveillance is the close observation or monitoring of a person, place, or activity. Often used for intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and national security purposes.

Analogy

Surveillance is like having a security camera in a store. It keeps an eye on everything happening within its field of view to ensure safety and prevent thefts (crimes).

Related terms

Fourth Amendment: Part of the Bill of Rights that prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and requires any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause.

Patriot Act: An Act signed into law following 9/11 with intention to strengthen domestic security against terrorism; it expanded surveillance powers including wiretapping, business records access etc.

NSA (National Security Agency): A U.S. government agency responsible for signal intelligence and information assurance; often associated with global surveillance.