First Amendment audit

First Amendment auditing is a primarily American social movement that involves photographing or filming in a public space. It is often categorized by its practitioners, known as auditors, as activism and citizen journalism that tests constitutional rights—in particular the right to photograph and video record in a public space, a right normally covered by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Auditors have tended to film or photograph government buildings, equipment, and access control points, as well as any personnel present.

Auditors have argued that the movement promotes transparency and open government. Critics have argued that audits are typically confrontational, and have criticized some tactics as forms of intimidation and harassment. Many opponents of the tactics and legal theories of auditors refer to auditors as "frauditors".

The practice is predominantly an American concept, since the First Amendment is a part of United States law, but it has also been seen in other countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Russia.