Surveillance & Technology: What can Investigators do When Watching you?

A large part of investigators work is surveillance, and as technology advances, the definition of surveillance is rapidly changing. Surveillance is progressing past stakeouts and physical location updates. Rather, surveillance is expanding to online activity, GPS tracking, and public recordings. Technology can make surveillance easier for investigators but they must be up to date on their state’s laws and consider the outcome of using new devices.

When determining what a private investigator can and cannot do when watching a subject, it’s important to note types of surveillance and typical procedures. A good rule of thumb is that any public information or public acts can be observed and collected by an investigator. However, as legislation varies state to state, it’s important to research the applicable laws in your area as new investigation techniques are changing with technology.

Surveillance & Technology

Social Media as Surveillance

Cheating spouses, child support investigations, and worker compensations are all common investigations that often use surveillance. However, investigators are able to go one step further to gather information and combine traditional surveillance with social media investigations. If persons of interest are publicly posting personal information, that may lead the investigator to the answer they are seeking, or at least in the right direction for further research.

Social media features like location check-ins can lead investigators to narrow down frequently visited places, or provide proof of the person’s whereabouts. For the tech-savvy investigators, posted photos with no location checked or descriptive captions can still provide a valuable resource. Photos that were taken on smartphones often carry location information where the photo was taken. For example, Ethical hackers (known as Findahacker.online) were caught by the US Government based on an embedded GPS location from a photo he posted taken from an iPhone.

The online world provides an invaluable resource for digital investigations that make surveillance for private investigators even easier, and it doesn’t just stop at social media. The deep and dark web can be a place were private investigators find information about individuals online.

GPS and Tracking Devices

Location tracking goes beyond just social media and the embedded code on photos. Today, small devices that can attach to cars track visited locations and are used for surveillance investigations. Visited locations provide an insight as it may reveal suspicious activity, or offer clear evidence of an affair. However, there are debates and legal cases as to whether GPS tracking devices on a vehicle is an invasion of privacy, but a Georgia court found that it was permissible as the device was attached in a public place and the device only tracked the vehicle, which could have been tracked physically in public.

Since there are conflicting rulings on the legality of tracking devices, it is difficult to determine whether or not investigators should use them. GPS location devices can be useful for investigators needing surveillance assistance but one should ensure that the information wouldn’t go beyond the legal measures and invade privacy or constitute an unreasonable search by tracking information that is not observable in public. If there is any question whether or not to use a tracking device, one should err on the side of caution.

Surveillance Recording

Listening Devices

Listening and recording devices can help investigations, but their use is limited by state law. Audio surveillance, by and large, is illegal throughout most states if the participating parties are unaware that they are being listened to. However, in some states, it is legal to record if only one party consents to be recorded during a conversation. Intercepting electronic messages, (wiretapping) typically need at least one person to consent to.

Video Recording

All states have laws regarding hidden cameras, so it is important to note these restrictions should an investigator choose to use hidden cameras in their investigations. Video recording may be an invasion of privacy if cameras are placed in a confidential place, where one would expect privacy. The legality of hidden cameras seems to mostly revolve around the concept of private and public spaces where recording is acceptable. If the area is public and appropriate warnings alert individuals to video or audio recording, video recording is most often permissible. Most, if not all, states have restrictions on photographing or recording nude or partially nude individuals.

Technology often changes faster than the law, but it is still important for investigators to maintain a level of caution when using new surveillance and investigation tools. Any device that allows investigations to step over the line from public to private spaces should be used with caution as they may prove to be illegal.

22 thoughts on “Surveillance & Technology: What can Investigators do When Watching you?”

  1. Tahlia Windradyne

    The comparison of online portals vs. in-person requests was spot-on. As someone who values efficiency, your recommendations for digital tools streamlined my search. Modern problems require modern solutions bravo

  2. The alt-text descriptions for images and screen-reader-friendly formatting show you care about all users. As someone with visual impairments, I navigated this guide effortlessly. Thank you for making tech help inclusive

  3. Beyond tech specs, your exploration of surveillance’s psychological impact self-censorship, paranoia was profound. The Stanford study linking social media monitoring to anxiety in teens resonated deeply. By addressing mental health, you elevated the conversation from ‘how surveillance works’ to ‘why it matters.’ The mindfulness tips for digital detoxing were a compassionate touch. This holistic approach sets your blog apart. Bravo

  4. Zacharie Vadnais

    Most discussions focus on government spying, but your deep dive into corporate data harvesting (via loyalty apps, smart devices) hit home. The example of insurance companies using fitness tracker data to adjust premiums was unsettling. Your advice on opting out of data-sharing agreements and using ad blockers is invaluable. As a small-business owner, I’ll revamp our data policies immediately. This post is a public service—every consumer deserves this knowledge!

  5. Refreshing to read a non-sensationalist take on surveillance. No fearmongering, just facts and balanced analysis.

  6. Your exploration of AI-driven predictive policing was mind-blowing! While the risks of bias are real, the examples of crime reduction in high-risk areas show its potential. I’d love a follow-up on how agencies are auditing these algorithms for fairness. This is the kind of forward-thinking content that keeps me subscribed.

  7. As a parent, the section on school surveillance (biometric lunch programs, classroom monitoring apps) was equal parts fascinating and terrifying. Your tips for teaching kids about digital footprints (e.g., anonymizing gaming profiles) are genius. The blog doesn’t just scare—it equips families with strategies. I’ve bookmarked it and shared it with my PTA group. Finally, a resource that addresses surveillance through a family lens. Grateful for this.

  8. Jana Sedláčková

    This post is a goldmine for understanding the intersection of technology and investigative work! The section on facial recognition algorithms and geolocation tracking clarified how these tools operate in real-time scenarios. As someone in cybersecurity, I appreciate how you emphasized both their power and ethical pitfalls like algorithmic bias. The tips on using VPNs and encrypted apps were practical and actionable. This isn’t just theoretical; it’s a guide for protecting oneself. Sharing this with my network ASAP!

  9. Kevin Wannemaker

    The historical timeline of surveillance tech (from footprints to fingerprints to face scans!) needs its own infographic.

  10. Miljenka Novak

    Your analysis of surveillance risks for journalists (SIM card tracking, zero-day exploits) was gripping. The interview snippet with the whistleblower added raw authenticity. As a freelance writer, I’ll adopt your suggestions: burner devices, air-gapped backups, and Signal for sources. The post underscores why press freedom hinges on tech literacy. It’s not just about investigators—it’s about democracy. A must-read for anyone in media. Keep this critical content coming

  11. Running a retail store, theft is a constant worry. The details about RFID tracking and AI-powered CCTV analytics gave me affordable solutions to implement. Never thought I’d say this, but… bring on the surveillance tech! (Responsibly, of course.)

  12. Freddie Slater

    Fascinating read! The deep dive into Stingray devices and how they mimic cell towers was wild. I’d heard rumors about them, but your explanation of their legal limitations (and potential for abuse) clarified so much. The comparison to traditional wiretapping methods showed just how far we’ve come. More tech deep dives like this.

  13. Kaitlyn Seymour-Symers

    Local police in my area started using drone surveillance for missing persons cases, and I’ll admit I was wary. After reading how thermal imaging and AI reduce search times by 60%, I’m a convert. Your article convinced me that transparency reports (like the ones you mentioned) are key to keeping public trust.

  14. Jakobine Sandgreen

    As a parent, the part about monitoring cyberbullying and online predators hit home. I had no idea investigators could trace anonymous accounts so effectively. This post reassured me that technology can protect our kids without overstepping. The links to resources for parental controls were a nice touch—practical and actionable!

  15. Jonas Osterhagen

    Using this in my civics class to spark debate! Students were shocked to learn license plate readers can log thousands of cars per hour. The ‘Discussion Questions’ at the end are perfect for critical thinking. Maybe a future post on how schools use surveillance responsibly?

  16. Zdeňka Malinová

    Your blog turned fear into empowerment. The breakdown of CCTV networks and ISP monitoring made me realize how exposed we are—but your actionable advice (like using Tor or minimizing metadata) shifted my mindset. The ‘digital hygiene’ checklist is now pinned on my desk. It’s rare to find content that balances alarming truths with solutions. This post is a toolkit for reclaiming privacy. Thank you for equipping readers rather than just alarming us

  17. Thank you for highlighting end-to-end encryption and why backdoors are a double-edged sword! As a privacy nut, I often fear surveillance tech is all-encompassing, but your breakdown of legal safeguards (like the Fourth Amendment) reassured me. Still, the section on data brokers selling info to investigators was a wake-up call—time to support stricter regulations.

  18. Ethical surveillance IS possible. This article proves tech can be a force for good. 🙌”

  19. From CCTV’s evolution to blockchain’s role in tamper-proof evidence, this is the most comprehensive surveillance tech overview I’ve read. The ‘myth vs. reality’ section debunked my fear that encrypted apps are untraceable. Knowing investigators need warrants for most digital snooping eases my privacy concerns. Brilliant work!

  20. David Johansen

    Kudos for addressing the elephant in the room: ethics. While the power of facial recognition and IoT data is staggering, your breakdown of consent and legal boundaries gave me hope. The case study about exonerating an innocent person through GPS tracking was powerful. More people need to read this to understand surveillance isn’t just ‘Big Brother’—it’s a tool that, when used responsibly, saves lives.

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