"Big Brother" refers to a concept of pervasive surveillance and control, originating from George Orwell's novel 1984. In the story, a totalitarian government monitors citizens' every move, using technology to ensure conformity and obedience. The term has since become synonymous with any intrusive monitoring by authorities.
In modern contexts, "Big Brother" often describes government or corporate surveillance practices, such as CCTV cameras, internet tracking, and data collection. These practices raise concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and the potential for abuse of power, as individuals may feel constantly watched and judged by unseen forces.