A "Surveillance State" refers to a government that extensively monitors its citizens' activities, often using technology such as cameras, internet tracking, and data collection. This monitoring can be justified by the need for security, crime prevention, or public safety, but it raises concerns about privacy and civil liberties. In a surveillance state, authorities may collect information from various sources, including social media, phone records, and public spaces. Critics argue that this level of oversight can lead to abuses of power and a chilling effect on free expression, as individuals may feel they are constantly being watched.