Which term refers to the monitoring of telephone or Internet conversations by a third party with covert intentions?

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

Answer: (A)

Covert monitoring of telephone or Internet conversations by a third party is wiretapping. It means intercepting the communication channel so you can listen in without the participants knowing, whether on traditional phone lines or modern digital networks. The emphasis on secrecy and unauthorized listening fits wiretapping precisely, unlike lawful interception, which is authorized by law and typically disclosed to the proper authorities. Distinguishing from active wiretapping (which would involve altering or injecting data) and passive wiretapping (which is simply listening without altering traffic), the essential idea here is clandestine listening to conversations.