Open-source intelligence and research on online terrorist communication
Identifying ethical and security dilemmas
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12904671 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Martin Lakomý (0000-0002-7591-1402, University of Silesia in Katowice, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 23-40 |
| Publication date | 2023-04-05 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Media War & Conflict (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1750-6352 • E-ISSN: 1750-6360 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/17506352231166322 |
| OpenAlex | W4362608787 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 39 |
This article explores key ethical and security challenges related to exploitation of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in research on online terrorist propaganda. In order to reach this objective, the most common approaches to OSINT-based projects are analysed through the lens of some of the most recognized ethical guidelines in science, which allowed several core dilemmas to be identified. First of all, this study discusses how personal data protection rules are applicable to investigations of potentially dangerous subjects, such as members and followers of Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs). In addition, the author examines potential threats to the safety of researchers and the scientific infrastructure used in OSINT-based projects. He also discusses the risks of incidental findings and malevolent use of research results. Finally, drawing from existing legal regulations and good practices in other fields, as well as the author’s previous experience in OSINT-based analyses of online terrorist activities, this article explores basic means of tackling these dilemmas
Business · Computer security · Engineering ethics · Internet privacy · Order (exchange · Political science · Public relations · Terrorism · Computer Science · Cybercrime and Law Enforcement Studies · Engineering · Law · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence
International Handbook of Internet Research
Examining Isis Support and Opposition Networks on Twitter
Islamic State’s Online Propaganda
Isis at Its Apogee
Research on Terrorism, 2007–2016
Stathis Kalyvas on 20 years of studying political violence
Listening to the “Voice of Islam”
Going Dark
Video games, terrorism, and Isis’s Jihad 3.0
Understanding online anonymity
Livestreaming the ‘wretched of the Earth
Terrorism Confidential
The Case of Jihadology and the Securitization of Academia
Primum Non Nocere - First Do No Harm
The Stagnation in Terrorism Research
The Ethical Limits We Should Place on Intelligence Gathering as Part of an Integrated CT Strategy
Online Extremism and Terrorism Research Ethics
| Citations per year | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |