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counterintelligence
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government
intelligence
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counterintelligence

government operation
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

counterintelligence, in government operations, the information and activity related to protecting a nationā€™s own information and the secrecy of its intelligence operations. It is a police and security function that is concerned primarily with defensive, protective activities. See intelligence.