Surveillance refers to the systematic monitoring and collection of information, particularly about individuals, groups, or environments, for various purposes such as security, intelligence gathering, or law enforcement. This can range from traditional methods like CCTV cameras and wiretaps to more modern, digital means like tracking online activities, data mining, and the use of drones. Surveillance is often a double-edged sword: while it can serve legitimate objectives such as crime prevention and national security, it also raises ethical and legal questions about privacy, consent, and civil liberties. The scale and sophistication of surveillance capabilities have significantly increased in the digital age, prompting ongoing debates about its proper scope and oversight.