Was ist: Policeware

Was ist Policeware

Policeware (aus der Kombination der Wörter "Polizei" und "Software") ist Software, die von oder für die Behörden (z. B. Polizei, Geheimdienste und Spezialdienste usw.) entwickelt wurde. Es dient zur Überwachung (oft heimlich) der digitalen Kommunikation der Bürger (E-Mails und Instant Messenger).

In the United States, the first example of this kind of software, which became known to the public over time, was the software package named Carnivore. This software was installed in the Internet providers' networks and was used for recording citizens' computer communications, including emails.

Some countries, such as Switzerland and Germany, have legislation that regulates use of such software. In German-speaking countries, spyware used or created by the government is sometimes called govware.