Vulbus Incognita Magazine

FBI monitoring of email and electronic communications.Credit: Mozilla Foundation
The FBI implemented a system in the late 1990s known as Carnivore, which scanned emails en masse looking for keywords. It's since been replaced by even more sophisticated software.

One of the controversial Patriot Act provisions reauthorized this past spring permits roving John Doe wiretaps, which follow a "person of interest" within a broad search warrant.

License-plate cameras at intersectionsCredit: Joe Ravi

. In order to crack down on drivers running red lights or committing other traffic transgressions, many municipalities have installed cameras at intersections.

Electronic toll collectors.Credit: Wikipedia user Nate
For those who frequently drive on toll roads on the East Coast, getting an E-ZPass saves both time and the need to have a cup holder filled with quarters for the commute to work. The same is true of similar systems, such as TxTag in Texas or FasTrak in California.

ne of the controversial Patriot Act provisions reauthorized this past spring permits roving John Doe wiretaps, which follow a "person of interest" within a broad search warrant.