unlicensed operation
[/ʌnˈlaɪsənst ˌɑːpəˈreɪʃən/]
nounpl: unlicensed operations
operação não licenciada
1. The act of conducting a business, profession, or activity without the required legal authorization, permit, or license from competent authorities
The authorities shut down the unlicensed operation of the taxi service in the downtown area.
As autoridades fecharam a operação não licenciada do serviço de táxi na área do centro.
2. Any commercial or professional activity that violates licensing regulations or operates without proper government approval
Unlicensed operation of a medical clinic can result in serious legal penalties.
A operação não licenciada de uma clínica médica pode resultar em penalidades legais graves.
3. In telecommunications and broadcasting, transmission or operation of equipment without proper authorization from regulatory agencies
The radio station faced fines for unlicensed operation on restricted frequencies.
A estação de rádio enfrentou multas pela operação não licenciada em frequências restritas.
This term is heavily used in regulatory and law enforcement contexts in both the USA and Brazil. In Brazil, unlicensed operations are particularly common in the informal economy (economia informal), affecting taxi services, street vendors, and small services. In the USA, the term frequently appears in discussions about gig economy regulation, particularly regarding services like Uber and Airbnb in jurisdictions where they operate without proper licensing.
NYC Slang
under-the-table operation / off-the-books operation
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