What is the term for illegal monitoring of electronic communications without consent?

The term for illegal monitoring of electronic communications without consent is electronic tracking software or spyware. Spyware refers to software that is installed on a device to gather information about the user without their knowledge or consent. This can include monitoring communications such as emails, instant messages, and other forms of electronic communication. The nature of spyware is inherently intrusive, as it captures sensitive information and activities from individuals without their awareness, making it illegal in many jurisdictions under privacy laws.

Other options, while related to electronic communications and security, do not define the act of unauthorized monitoring in the same way. A VPN, for example, is used to create a secure and private connection over the internet but does not engage in monitoring communications. Keyloggers are specifically designed to record keystrokes on a device, which can also imply unauthorized monitoring, but they are more narrowly focused than the broader term of spyware. A firewall is used to protect networks from unauthorized access and does not involve monitoring communications in a deceptive manner.