Ausspähen

Ausspähen is the act of secretly seeking and obtaining information that is not intended to be accessed by the person performing the act. The term covers both human intelligence gathering, such as covert observation, and data espionage, including accessing digital information or surveillance of communications without authorization. In a digital context, Ausspähen describes activities aimed at uncovering stored data, copying confidential files, or monitoring data transmitted over networks, often by breaching security measures, hacking, or covertly intercepting communications. In everyday usage it can also refer to secretly observing a person or organization to learn private details.

Legal framework and notable distinctions vary by jurisdiction. In Germany, acts involving Ausspähen von Daten (unauthorized access to data in a computer system) and Abfangen von Daten (interception of data in transit) are criminalized as offenses against confidentiality and the integrity of information. Penalties depend on the circumstances, including the type of data and the means used. Privacy and data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and national statutes, regulate the collection and processing of personal information and can apply alongside criminal penalties in cases of privacy violations.

Societal and technical responses emphasize protecting privacy and securing information systems. Organizations deploy cybersecurity measures and compliance regimes to deter Ausspähen, while individuals can reduce risk through strong authentication, encryption, and awareness of social engineering and phishing threats.

See also: Spionage, Datenschutz, Überwachung, Datenschutz-Grundverordnung.