ECHELON is a global surveillance program run by the United States and its allies, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and United Kingdom. It is designed to intercept and analyze electronic communications, such as phone calls, emails, and internet traffic, to gather intelligence on foreign entities and potential threats. The program operates through a network of ground stations and satellites, allowing for the collection of vast amounts of data. ECHELON plays a crucial role in national security and intelligence efforts, helping to monitor activities that may pose risks to the interests of participating nations.