Informants are individuals who provide information to authorities, such as law enforcement or intelligence agencies. They often have insider knowledge about criminal activities or other relevant matters. Informants can be motivated by various factors, including financial compensation, legal leniency, or personal beliefs. In many cases, informants work undercover, maintaining secrecy to protect their identity. Their information can be crucial in investigations, helping to gather evidence or identify suspects. However, the use of informants can also raise ethical concerns, particularly regarding their reliability and the potential for manipulation by authorities.