The phrase "by the authorities" is a common expression used to refer to actions taken by those in positions of power or government. However, there are several synonyms that can be used to convey the same meaning. These include "by the government", "by law enforcement", "by the administration", "by those in charge", "by those with jurisdiction", and "by those in power". Each of these phrases can be used to describe actions taken by those with the authority to do so, and can be substituted for "by the authorities" depending on the context and intended meaning of the sentence.