SIGINT for Anyone: The Growing Availability of Signals Intelligence in the Public Domain

This Perspective examines and challenges the assumption that signals intelligence (SIGINT) is an inherently governmental function by revealing nongovernmental approaches and technologies that allow private citizens to conduct SIGINT activities. We explore four technology areas where nongovernmental SIGINT is flourishing: maritime domain awareness; radiofrequency spectrum mapping; eavesdropping, jamming, and hijacking of satellite systems; and cyber surveillance. We then provide areas where further research and debate is needed to create legal, regulatory, policy, process, and human capital solutions to the challenges these new capabilities provide to government.