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Wiretapping - The Crime of Listening Over Phone Lines

What is wiretapping? It is committing the crime of observing telephone calls and lately, internet exchanges. The term 'wiretap' comes from the way the telephone line wires are used to apply the connection for monitoring and the 'tapping' of electrical signals to deliver the message.


Wire communication is described as any aural transfer made with the use of wire or cable for communication transfer. Oral communication is described as the verbal exchange or response by a person who expects that the conversation is not intercepted or recorded. Intercept or recording is described as the acquisition of conversation with the use of any device. When all these are included in the act, it may be rightfully termed as wiretapping.

How to Detect Wiretapping

Well-installed and designed taps can be quite difficult to detect. The tap is basically formed by circuits, which link the audio signal from the call. Codes or encryption can also be translated into words which were used during the actual conversation. Digital switching technology has made it possible to copy digitalized bits that model the conversation. Information on the caller, the receiver, the numbers, time and date and duration will be indicated and easily detected by the phone company for billing.

When is Wiretapping Legal or Illegal?

It is illegal to wiretap without authorization from a court of law. Wiretapping without due reason will be considered intrusion or violation to privacy, which is a misdemeanor. However, depending on the seriousness and effects of the offense, it can become a criminal offense. There are forms of legal wiretapping especially by law enforcers in order to monitor suspicious activity and to detect locations of wanted criminals.

It is completely legal for one of the two parties involved in the conversation to record. Some states require that only one party needs to be aware of the recording while others require both parties to have full knowledge of the recording. One party may allow the line to be tapped or the conversation recorded without full knowledge by the second party. This should only be done under the authorization of a legal body with due cause and reason for interception.

Laws Against Wiretapping

The anti-wiretapping law strictly prohibits anyone from wiretapping or violating the right to privacy of communication. Since wiretapping is a powerful tool that can be used against military, government and other authorizing agents, the law intends to stop the abuse or formation of false accusations. Illegally obtained recordings to be used as evidence in court hearings are also not allowed in certain states.

The following acts can be considered as a wiretapping offense. Wiretapping or using other devices that covertly intercept or record private communication. Persons who volunteer recording will also be held liable to the criminal act.

Possessing any material of an illegally obtained conversation; replaying the recording or giving information regarding its contents; all these can be charged as wiretapping except when ordered by a court of law or an authorized agent. Law enforcers are also prohibited to wiretap private communication without going through the proper procedure and having legal authorization.

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