Electronic surveillance is the use of technology to eavesdrop on someone, often without the person knowing what is happening. There are three primary electronic surveillance techniques: videotaping, photography, and audio recording. Electronic surveillance is used in the United States by officials, businesses, and home owners for numerous reasons, including photographing speeding vehicles, monitoring shoppers, and recording illegal activities. Both federal and state governments have created laws that protect a person's right to privacy, thereby regulating the use of all electronic surveillance methods and means.