Open source intelligence in current military operations

In recent years, developments in the international security environment have placed greater emphasis on information collection and analysis. This is largely due to the proliferation of digital technologies and the Internet, which have made it easier for individuals, organizations and governments to access, share and disseminate information. Thus, the traditional concept of "national security" has been expanded to include cybersecurity, information security, and cyberpropaganda.

In this context, "Open Source Intelligence" (OSINT) has become an important tool and resource for governments, militaries, intelligence organizations, and individuals. It refers to publicly available information that can be gleaned from a wide range of sources, including the internet, social media, newspapers and government websites.

The rise of information warfare and the need for intelligence on the digital front has made open source intelligence an even more important resource for organizations dealing with national security. Various examples and case studies demonstrate that it can provide valuable information that can be used to make informed decisions about foreign policy, intelligence operations, and military strategy, understand and respond to global security threats, support military operations, and gain greater understanding of conflict.

By analyzing data from a variety of sources, including social media, online forums and satellite imagery, open source intelligence analysts can better understand movements and activities in conflict zones. Not only that, but open source intelligence can also be used to monitor and combat disinformation, propaganda, and misinformation, which is widely used by state and non-state actors to influence public opinion and political decision-making.

The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, characterized by high levels of disinformation and propaganda on both sides, is also a case study in open source intelligence. A key aspect of open source intelligence in this war is the use of social media. Open source intelligence analysts have been able to use these platforms to track the movement of troops, equipment and weapons. They are also able to identify and track individuals and organizations involved in conflict.

Besides social media, another important aspect of open source intelligence in the Russo-Ukrainian war was the use of satellite imagery. Analysts on both sides were able to use satellite imagery to accurately track the movement of troops and equipment, as well as to identify and track changes in terrain. Open source intelligence experts are also able to trace the flow of funds to different groups and individuals involved in a conflict, which can help identify potential sources of financing for a war.

Because open source intelligence allows information to be gathered from a variety of sources, it allows for a more complete picture of the situation on the ground, while also allowing information to be cross-referenced and verified. Another advantage of open source intelligence is its relatively low cost and availability to a wide range of individuals and organizations. This enables various actors, including journalists, researchers and analysts, to play an active role in monitoring and analyzing conflicts around the world.

Despite these advantages, it is important to note that open source intelligence is not without limitations. Information gathered from open sources may be incomplete, biased, or even intentionally misleading. It's also important to be aware of "information pollution," the deliberate dissemination of large amounts of false or misleading information in order to confuse or mislead.

In short, open source intelligence is becoming increasingly important in today's strategic environment due to the abundance of open source information. As conflicts become more complex and global, governments, military organizations, and other stakeholders must have access to accurate and timely information to make informed decisions in areas as diverse as cybersecurity, intelligence, surveillance, and national security.

As the world becomes more interconnected and the amount of publicly available information continues to grow, the use of open-source intelligence is likely to play a key role alongside traditional intelligence-gathering methods.