Intelligence and global health: assessing the role of open source and social media intelligence analysis in infectious disease outbreaks

R Sullivan,P Boyle,G Bowsher,P Patel,C Milner,Rose Bernard

doi:10.1007/s10389-018-0899-3

Abstract

PurposeOpen Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) from the clandestine intelligence sector are being increasingly employed in infectious disease outbreaks. The purpose of this article is to explore how such tools might be employed in the detection, reporting, and control of outbreaks designated as a ‘threat’ by the global community. It is also intended to analyse previous use of such tools during the Ebola and SARS epidemics and to discuss key questions regarding the ethics and legality of initiatives that further blur the military and humanitarian spaces.MethodsWe undertake qualitative analysis of current discussions on OSINT and SIGINT and their intersection with global health. We also review current literature and describe the debates. We built on quantitative and qualitative research done into current health collection capabilities.ResultsThis article presents an argument for the use of OSINT in the detection of infectious disease outbreaks and how this might occur.ConclusionWe conclude that there is a place for OSINT and SIGINT in the detection and reporting of outbreaks. However, such tools are not sufficient on their own and must be corroborated for the intelligence to be relevant and actionable. Finally, we conclude that further discussion on key ethical issues needs to take place before such research can continue. In particular, this involves questions of jurisdiction, data ownership, and ethical considerations.

Highlights

Infectious disease outbreaks—SARS, MERS, Ebola—have increasingly come to be designated as potent threats to the international community under the escalating global health security agenda (Smith 2017)
We explore the potential overlap between techniques used by national intelligence services and those used for infectious disease detection, with regard to analysis of Open Source Intelligence, and we consider the ethical implications in blending civilian and military methodology in the context of global health
The complex issue of when and how to utilise ‘clandestine’ national intelligence capabilities for global public good must be a serious question given that these technologies exist and are already being put to use

Summary

Methods

We undertake qualitative analysis of current discussions on OSINT and SIGINT and their intersection with global health. We review current literature and describe the debates. We built on quantitative and qualitative research done into current health collection capabilities

Conclusion

Introduction

Compliance with ethical standards