The Pitfalls of Open Source Research
OSINT (Open Source Intelligence), often known as OSINT, is a valuable tool for understanding global events. However, it comes with its own set of challenges and pitfalls. This post examines the usual missteps that can compromise the trustworthiness and success of open-source analysis, particularly in the environment of fast-moving worldwide events. Omitting the Original Source One of the foundational principles of open-source research is transparency. The data should be publicly accessible and verifiable by anyone. Not linking to the original source can seriously compromise the reliability of the investigation. During important happenings, such as Russia's Ukraine invasion in 2022, many OSINT accounts on social media platforms like Twitter posted videos without providing the original links. This lack of linkage removed vital metadata, making verification difficult. It's crucial for researchers to always link to the original sources to ensure transparency and verification. Letti...