Secret recordings of telephone conversations made by listening in on communication lines, typically by law enforcement.
Compound word from 'wire' (telephone lines) and 'tap' (to intercept). The term emerged in the early 20th century as telephone technology became widespread and surveillance became technically possible.
Wiretapping became controversial in the 1960s during FBI surveillance of activists, leading to legal protections—yet today we accept companies analyzing our digital communications for 'personalization,' showing how privacy norms constantly shift.
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