What process involves capturing electronic communications, such as phone signals?

The process of capturing electronic communications, such as phone signals, is known as intercepts. Interception specifically refers to the monitoring of communication signals in real-time, often carried out by governmental agencies or law enforcement to gather intelligence or evidence regarding potential criminal activity or national security threats. This can include phone calls, texts, and other forms of electronic communication, allowing for the collection of sensitive information that might be used in investigations.

While digital surveillance is related and involves monitoring digital activities and communications, it encompasses a broader range of methods and technologies beyond just intercepting signals. Data mining pertains to analyzing large sets of data to discover patterns and trends, rather than capturing real-time communications. Signal jamming, on the other hand, is a technique used to disrupt communication signals rather than capture them, which distinguishes it further from the accurate definition of intercepts.