What term describes visible actions taken to influence or gather information?

The term that describes visible actions taken to influence or gather information is overt operations. Overt operations are characterized by their transparency; they are conducted openly and often in plain sight, allowing those involved to engage with targeted individuals or groups without concealing their activities. This approach can involve engagement in diplomatic efforts, public outreach, or organized communication campaigns intended to affect perceptions or elicit responses from the audience.

In contrast, covert operations are designed to be secretive, focusing on actions that are concealed from the target or the public. Intelligence collection tradecraft refers to the various techniques and methodologies used in the collection of intelligence, which may include both overt and covert methods. National defense information pertains to sensitive information related to the security of a nation's defense capabilities, which is not inherently linked to the visible actions of influencing or gathering data. Therefore, overt operations are the most fitting term to describe actions that are done openly and aim to influence or gather information.