electronic surveillance

American  

noun

1. surveillance or the gathering of information by surreptitious use of electronic devices, as in crime detection or espionage.

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electronic surveillance British  

noun

1. the use of such electronic devices as television monitors, video cameras, etc, to prevent burglary, shop lifting, break-ins, etc

2. monitoring events, conversations, etc, at a distance by electronic means, esp by such covert means as wiretapping or bugging

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Etymology

Origin of electronic surveillance

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The wall will be supplemented by electronic surveillance and other devices, which would be installed by "about July, maybe at the latest August 2028," Scott said.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

It says the government must get an order authorizing electronic surveillance through the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court under Title 1 or “a warrant issued pursuant to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure by a court.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

In her claim, Lawrence alleges that ANL targeted her with hidden electronic surveillance, tapped her phone and monitored her bank account.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

They couldn’t understand or anticipate that there would be things like cellphones and electronic surveillance.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

At the time, statutes governing electronic surveillance were nebulous, and Burns was an avid user of a Dictograph—a primitive listening device that could be concealed in anything from a clock to a chandelier.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann