Chinese scientists have developed a highly advanced laser-based surveillance system that can read text as small as 3 mm from nearly 1.36 kilometers (0.85 miles) away. This was achieved using a technique called active intensity interferometry, where eight laser beams illuminate a distant object, and dual telescopes capture the back-scattered light. Using advanced algorithms, researchers can reconstruct high-resolution images far beyond what a single telescope can typically resolve—boosting resolution by up to 14 times. The breakthrough, confirmed in outdoor field trials, proves the technology’s capability to “read an open book from a mile away” under controlled conditions. However, it still requires precise laser alignment, clear line of sight, and minimal environmental interference, making it unsuitable for covert, everyday spying—at least for now. Uses and Concerns: Potential Applications: archaeology, infrastructure monitoring, satellite imaging, wildlife tracking. Surveillance Risks: Raises global privacy and ethical concerns, especially if deployed by governments without regulation. In essence, the technology is real and revolutionary—but it’s not yet an all-seeing spy tool. It’s a cutting-edge optics achievement with dual-use implications that demand careful oversight.