Final answer:
Automated surveillance is characterized by the utilization of digital technology for real-time monitoring, tracking devices for location tracing, and the capability to operate at a massive scale with significant data archiving.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three defining characteristics of automated surveillance involve the use of technology to monitor individuals or groups, often without their explicit knowledge. First, automated surveillance utilizes digital technology such as surveillance cameras and facial recognition software to capture and analyze movements and behaviors in real-time. Second, it often involves tracking devices such as cell phones and GPS transponders that can trace someone's location for various purposes ranging from traffic flow management to law enforcement. Third, such surveillance systems can operate on a massive scale, leveraging Big Data and advanced computing to monitor and archive vast amounts of personal data, potentially infringing on privacy and self-determination. These systems pose significant ethical and legal questions regarding what limits should be imposed to protect individual freedoms while balancing social benefits.