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This week in open-source intelligence (OSINT) news: U.S. legislative actions, China's tightening of online military content regulations and efforts to equip the younger generation with OSINT capabilities to strengthen democratic resilience.
Congress pushes Army to expand OSINT collection
U.S. lawmakers are urging the Army to adopt a more systematic approach to OSINT collection. A new provision in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes language directing the Army Secretary to designate a program executive office to oversee OSINT tool acquisitions in an effort to standardize the way it procures open-source intelligence-collection software.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the value of OSINT in complementing traditional intelligence sources. By leveraging publicly accessible data, the Army can gain timely insights into multiple topics – from confirming military targets to gaging the nature of combat on the ground or taking a pulse of the adversary’s morale. Proponents of the program suggest that the Army can greatly benefit from using OSINT to improve military intelligence and battlefield awareness without relying solely on classified sources. The renewed focus on OSINT aligns with broader Army defense strategies that emphasize agility and adaptability in intelligence gathering.
““From an Army standpoint, OSINT might look like gathering information about energy structure in a specific country for targeting purposes. Or to get an idea of what’s going on with an adversary.””
Meghann Myers, Staff Reporter, Defense One
House Intelligence Committee forms OSINT-focused subcommittee
Recognizing the growing importance of OSINT in national security, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) has formed a dedicated subcommittee to enhance oversight and integration of OSINT within the intelligence community. Chaired by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), the subcommittee will explore ways to leverage OSINT for intelligence gathering and policymaking. The move follows bipartisan calls to expand OSINT capabilities, particularly as foreign adversaries increasingly use open-source data for strategic advantage.
Several intelligence agencies, including the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research, have recently outlined their own OSINT strategies, signaling a broader shift toward leveraging publicly available data. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) approved new standards for OSINT use late last year, aiming to accelerate its adoption across agencies. Lawmakers have also pushed for a stronger emphasis on OSINT, criticizing the CIA for omitting new OSINT capabilities in its budget request for Fiscal Year 2023. In response, Congress allocated additional funding to the CIA’s Open-Source Enterprise to enhance its capabilities. Rep. Ann Wagner emphasized the need for standardized training, governance and resources to ensure OSINT is effectively integrated into national security efforts.
“Open-source intelligence is essential for a wide audience of policymakers, decisionmakers, and other consumers who gain situational awareness without having to rely on classified or restricted sources.”
Rep. Ann Wagner in a statement provided to Federal News Network
China tightens the rules on sharing military-related online content
China has introduced 30 new regulations to tighten control over military-related information online, aiming to curb misinformation and protect military secrets. The sweeping rules could significantly impact military bloggers and commentators, who frequently share details about new weapons, personnel changes and troop movements. The banned content list includes everything from weapons development and military drills to undisclosed unit structures and combat capabilities.
Highlighting their broad reach, the regulations were issued jointly by 10 government and Communist Party departments, including top internet regulators, military command and security ministries. Open-source information has previously revealed key insights into China’s military progress—such as last December’s viral footage of what was believed to be China’s next-generation stealth fighter. The effect on foreign media’s reporting on the Chinese military remains uncertain. While authorities claim the regulations are necessary for national security, critics argue they could further suppress independent reporting and public discussion on military affairs.
“Military and defense-related content enjoys significant popularity among Chinese internet users, but the leadership is clearly keen to ensure that sensitive information — a concept broadly applied in China — and speculation do not undermine the official narrative around the country’s military development and capabilities.”
David Bandurski, executive director of the China Media Project
Teaching OSINT skills to strengthen democracies
Educators and researchers are pushing to integrate OSINT training into classrooms to combat misinformation. A new initiative advocates for teaching OSINT skills to students as a way to strengthen democratic resilience. Bellingcat’s founder Eliot Higgins and Dr. Natalie Martin Given argue that if anyone with a smartphone can publish information online, it's essential to empower the younger generation to critically assess and verify the information they encounter. By teaching them how to investigate and validate open-source data, we can foster a more informed public capable of discerning truth from misinformation.
Independent truth seekers from Bellingcat argue that young people equipped with investigative techniques can better assess the credibility of online information, reducing the impact of disinformation campaigns. With the rise of manipulated media and propaganda, OSINT education can act as a proactive measure to empower the next generation of critical thinkers.
“It is easier than ever before to influence narratives and counter-narratives and offer politically destabilising alternative “truth” logics. These factors require a concerted response to mitigate the effect they may have on democracy. Therefore, news consumers should be encouraged to take a sceptical (but not cynical) approach to information sources and empowered to critique and verify for themselves through the acquisition of open source investigation skills.”
Eliot Higgins and Dr. Natalie Martin, Bellingcat
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