The role of artificial intelligence in open source intelligence

In the digital age, the type and scope of open source intelligence has exploded, from public legal records to social media platforms to the dark web.

Historically, before the development of automation techniques, the exponential growth of open source intelligence data volumes overwhelmed analysis tools, making it difficult to quickly provide enough insight to stay one step ahead of threats. Artificial intelligence (AI) has dramatically increased the amount of data that can be analyzed in real time. Today's artificial intelligence platforms enable intelligence analysts to use open source intelligence as a foundation to help uncover hidden threats, corroborate classified reports, and pinpoint targets that require resource-intensive traditional intelligence gathering.

In essence, artificial intelligence turns the challenge of big data volumes into an advantage, and ultimately creates a symbiotic relationship with open source intelligence.

1. Scalability

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automated tools are able to scan vast amounts of data and conversations, adept at identifying connections and risks that require further investigation. To help ensure protection against threats, analyzing open source intelligence requires a 24/7 schedule, and artificial intelligence helps maintain a near real-time pace in assessing and identifying risks. These approaches drastically reduce the time analysts spend collecting and processing data, instead focusing on extracting relevant insights. Artificial intelligence solutions can be used to quickly observe patterns in data and reach more sources than traditional human-driven searches. They've even been very successful at detecting machine-generated threats (AI beating other AIs that could be in disguise).

2. Accuracy

By providing a more comprehensive and consistent treatment, artificial intelligence in general can limit the number of errors when performing an analysis. Artificial intelligence and machine learning do not replace traditional analysis by intelligence experts, but they enable human analysts to prioritize time and focus on the most critical information to form an assessment. Technology is now able to provide national security and intelligence leaders with the basis for open source intelligence insights that inform the strategic allocation of mission resources.

3. Task time limit

Artificial intelligence-driven open source intelligence can also be used to assess any situation in real time, correlating where threats and opportunities exist. Compared to the hours-long labor previously spent on periodic re-examinations, screening can now be completed in seconds and is a routine, precise and timely process that immediately alerts decision makers.

With the development of artificial intelligence, open source intelligence has never been more valuable or mission-critical. Now is the time to fully embrace this readily available resource, as technology has advanced to the point where open source intelligence can be analyzed in near real time. Artificial intelligence won't replace intelligence analysts, but it can provide a powerful insight base that helps them focus their time and attention on the most pressing national security threats.