Deploying OSINT in armed conflict settings: law, ethics, and the need for a new theory of harm
The deployment of open-source intelligence, or OSINT – information gathered from publicly available data sources and used for intelligence purposes – is having a dramatic impact on armed conflict in the 21st century, rebalancing information asymmetries between states and other actors while supporting accountability efforts. There is, however, a downside to these developments, with OSINT creating and enabling the risk of harm to civilians’ rights, lives, and safety in ways that are not yet fully understood.
In this post, part of a new series on Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Humanitarian Action, legal researcher and OSINT analyst Ed Millett considers how far international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL) currently regulate the use of OSINT techniques by state and non-state actors in armed conflict settings, suggesting that our limited understanding of emergent harms is hampering effective regulation.
Explore how a human-centered approach to disarmament can accelerate progress toward agreements on outer space security.
🎙️ Humanity in War Podcast
On the go and want to listen to the latest episode of Humanity in War?
In this episode podcast host Elizabeth Rushing speaks with ICRC Advisers Philippe Cholous and Stephen Kilpatrick, and special guest Colonel Susan Mwanga from the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces, on how military personnel can reduce this risk, as outlinedin the latest ICRC handbook.
📅 Event - International Review of the Red Cross (IRRC)
The IRRC has compiled a special edition on the protection of the environment in armed conflict, featuring more than two dozen articles exploring the topic from a variety of angles. At this event, authors whose work is featured in that edition will engage in a lively conversation, followed by closing remarks by former International Law Commission (ILC) Special Rapporteur Marja Lehto.
How can academia promote IHL? This updated leaflet sheds light on the key contribution academics and universities can play, along with tools supporting teaching, debate, and research endeavors.
The experience of the ICRC through the work of its forensic and Islamic law expertise is an emerging model of how to better engage with affected communities experiencing the consequences of conflict and disasters.
The OHCHR and Centre National de Droits de l’Homme in Morocco organized a regional workshop to explore tensions and complementarities between religion and IHL and IHRL. The workshop advocated for a future where religious values and human rights principles work hand in hand to ensure equal respect for all.
The Organization of American States and the ICRC organized a course, attended by 140 experts and authorities, focusing on IHL obligations related to missing persons, the dead and their families, in this bi-annual IHL course.
📍 IHL in Action
IHL in Action is a platform that gathers a collection of real-life examples of compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) that occurred during armed conflict. This project also demonstrates the width and variety of respect for the law and has recently launched 75+ summaries to provide simplified access to these cases. Below are some key examples per thematic, read on!
Watch this TikTok explaining 3 things you need to know about IHL in Action.
Jointhe Law & Policy Outreach community on LinkedIn to stay updated on all things IHL and policy.
For the millions of people in countries reliant on humanitarian assistance, greater support is desperately needed to save lives and avert further suffering. You can help the people you are reading about.
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