I'd say it's collecting intelligence-worthy data from publicly available sources. That is, connecting the dots that everyone could connect, were they able to no

I'd say it's collecting intelligence-worthy data from publicly available sources. That is, connecting the dots that everyone could connect, were they able to notice them. It does not involve anything but sifting peacefully through public sources. This is opposed to acquiring data by other means, like breaking into protected systems, stealing classified materials, planting moles, extortion and blackmailing, etc.