The Risks of Open Source Research
Open source investigation, 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 weaken the reliability and impact of open-source research, particularly in the environment of fast-moving worldwide events. Not Providing the Original Source One of the foundational principles of open-source research is transparency. The content should be available for public verification. Failing to provide the original source can seriously compromise the reliability of the investigation. During significant events, such as Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, many OSINT accounts on social media platforms like Twitter posted videos without providing the original links. This oversight took away essential metadata, making validating information challenging. Providing original sources is a must for researchers to ensure transparency and verification. Allowing Bias to Compromise Y...