Simple OSINT tools database for AML/CFT and compliance investigations
Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) is the systematic collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence derived from publicly available information sources. OSINT encompasses data gathered from websites, social media platforms, public records, government databases, news outlets, academic publications, and other openly accessible sources to support investigations, due diligence, threat assessments, and compliance activities.
Unlike classified or proprietary intelligence methods, OSINT relies exclusively on information that is legally accessible to the public, though this accessibility does not eliminate ethical or legal obligations in its collection and use.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes stringent requirements on OSINT activities involving personal data of EU citizens, regardless of where the organization is located. Organizations must establish a lawful basis for processing personal data—typically legitimate interest for fraud prevention and compliance investigations—and must conduct Legitimate Interest Assessments (LIAs) to justify OSINT processing.
Canadian OSINT practices operate under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which applies to private-sector organizations collecting, using, or disclosing personal information for commercial activities. PIPEDA mandates adherence to Fair Information Principles, including accountability, identifying purposes, consent requirements, and limiting collection and use.
US privacy law comprises a complex patchwork of federal and state regulations without comprehensive national data protection legislation. State-level laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) regulate how personal data is collected, stored, and used. OSINT practitioners must navigate varying jurisdictional requirements.
OSINT activities frequently cross international borders, requiring compliance with multiple data protection regimes simultaneously. Organizations processing EU citizen data must ensure data transfers meet GDPR adequacy requirements through binding corporate rules or standard contractual clauses.
While OSINT utilizes publicly accessible data, the discipline operates within ethical gray areas where information legality does not guarantee ethical appropriateness. Practitioners must balance intelligence objectives with privacy considerations, particularly when gathering personal information from social media.
OSINT frameworks must establish data retention policies ensuring information is not stored longer than necessary for legitimate purposes. Organizations should implement role-based access controls, restricting OSINT data access to authorized personnel only.
Maintaining thorough records of OSINT activities, including sources, decision-making processes, and data usage limitations, supports accountability and regulatory compliance.
This framework is designed for educational purposes in compliance and investigative contexts. Users remain solely responsible for ensuring their OSINT activities comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards in their jurisdiction.
Comprehensive collection of open-source intelligence tools classified by data type