Rising Role of OSINT in Conflict/War

Abstract

Information and communication technology, the internet of things, and cellular networks have colluded with smartphones in the hands of globalised humans to change the character of war. Consequently, Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) has emerged as the key driver of the intelligence acquisition cycle, with citizens and corporates involved alongside the militaries. Ongoing wars in Ukraine and Israel have exposed the link of social media with intelligence, strategic communication and cyber warfare. This new form of OSINT with a high level of civil-military synergy is making major contributions in all periods of conflict, stages of war, and spectrums of war. In order to secure India’s interests, while it leaps forward to a US$ 10 trillion economy India needs to structure and strategise to win every technology drive competition in peace and war. Exploiting and defending against OSINT has thus become a key security necessity of our times.