On the Institutionalization of OSINV in Journalistic Practice

Abstract

Open-source intelligence investigations (OSI) have slowly transformed from an ad hoc, grassroots practice relegated to internet sleuths into an increasingly formalized and well-structured technique for journalistic research. By leveraging publicly available data, such as satellite images, social media posts, or official records, to expose misinformation and create actionable insights, organizations like Bellingcat or Forensic Architecture have used digital verification to correct misinformation and shape the political agenda. OSI methods and practices, historically developed in fields such as security studies and intelligence analysis, are now experiencing an unprecedented demand across newsrooms, journalism schools, and other civic journalistic organizations trying to upskill their members. In this Invited Forum, we approach the topic of institutionalization of OSI from four distinct vantage points: discussing OSI as an institution itself, tracing innovations adopted by the journalistic profession, examining the institutionalization of grassroots organized OSI groups, and exploring how OSI can be taught within journalistic institutions.

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