Which term refers to government-authorized interception of communications for surveillance?

• A. Wiretapping
• B. Active Wiretapping
• C. Passive Wiretapping
• D. Lawful interception

Answer: (D)

Lawful interception is the government-authorized interception of communications for surveillance. It means authorities monitor calls, messages, or data only when they have legal permission, such as a warrant or statutory authority, and under oversight and privacy safeguards. Telecommunication providers implement these capabilities to comply with that authorization, making the process controllable and auditable. This is different from generic wiretapping, which can be illegal or unregulated, and from terms that describe how interception is performed (active vs. passive) rather than whether it’s legally sanctioned. The defining aspect is the legal basis for surveillance, not the method of interception.