The gathering of information by the surreptitious (secret) use of electronic devices; such as, cameras placed in train stations or in banks, etc. in order to record criminal activities or espionage: More cities around the world are using electronic surveillances in order to gather evidence of a crime or to accumulate intelligence about suspected criminal activities.

Corporations use electronic surveillance to maintain the security of their buildings and grounds.

Electronic surveillance permeates almost every aspect of life in the United States; for example, in the public sector, the president, Congress, judiciary, military, and law enforcement all use some form of this technology.

In the private sector, business competitors, convenience stores, shopping centers, apartment buildings, parking facilities, hospitals, banks, employers, and even spouses have utilized various methods of electronic surveillances.