Espionage

Espionage refers to the practice of secretly obtaining confidential or classified information, typically related to national security, government activities, or corporate strategies. It often involves the use of spies, covert methods, or surveillance to gather intelligence without the consent of the information holder. Espionage can occur on different levels, including state-sponsored activities aimed at foreign governments or organizations, as well as industrial espionage where companies seek to gain competitive advantages by illegally acquiring trade secrets or proprietary information from rival businesses. The primary objective of espionage is to gather intelligence that could provide strategic benefits or inform decision-making processes in political, military, or economic contexts. It is often considered illegal and unethical, with legal consequences for those who engage in such activities.