wiretapping

Wiretapping is the interception of telephone or other communications by a third party. Historically it referred to physically tapping a telephone line to listen in, but the term now covers the monitoring of digital communications such as cellular voice calls, VoIP, emails, text messages, and data transmitted over networks.

Legal framework and oversight vary by jurisdiction but generally require some form of authorization. In many countries, intercepting communications without consent is prohibited or tightly regulated. In the United States, the Wiretap Act (part of the Omnibus Crime Control Act) governs interception and typically requires a court order or consent of the participating parties; exceptions exist for emergencies or specific criminal investigations. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act covers stored and transmitted electronic communications and distinguishes content from metadata. Pen registers and trap-and-trace devices legally collect dialing and routing information rather than content. Lawful intercept programs by telecommunications carriers are designed to enable authorized access under proper legal process, with safeguards such as records, audits, and limited distribution.

Technological aspects: traditional wiretapping involved connecting to a physical line; modern interception often occurs at the network level through lawful intercept interfaces and specialized equipment. Advances in communications technology have expanded wiretapping to mobile networks, encrypted services, and internet-based communications, though many jurisdictions require warrants or other authorizations even for digital data.

Implications and debates: wiretapping raises profound privacy concerns and civil liberties issues. Proponents argue it aids law enforcement and national security, while critics warn of abuse, chilling effects, and the need for transparency, robust oversight, and strong privacy protections, including widespread use of encryption.