Which activity is NOT typically included in counterintelligence operations?

The activity that is typically not included in counterintelligence operations is gathering intelligence on competitors. Counterintelligence primarily focuses on identifying and preventing espionage and other intelligence threats directed against a nation or organization. This includes activities such as preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information, thwarting efforts to recruit agents or informants, and protecting against threats like industrial espionage and terrorism.

Gathering intelligence on competitors, while potentially relevant in business strategies and market analysis, falls outside the scope of traditional counterintelligence, which is centered around national security and the protection of classified information. Unlike counterintelligence, which seeks to detect and mitigate threats from adversaries, gathering information on competitors is more about understanding market landscapes and does not typically involve the same level of security concerns or risk of espionage.