Appendix 3 | Interview Protocol for Semi-Structured Interviews

This section details the semi-structured interview protocol used to gather in-depth insights from OSINT, AI, cybersecurity, and privacy experts. Open-ended questions focused on current practices, privacy challenges, ethical considerations, and future developments. The flexible structure allowed for tailored discussions, enhancing context-specific data collection on AI-integrated OSINT applications.

This is part of a New America #ShareTheMicInCyber research project that delves into an intriguing realm of the impact of AI-integrated OSINT on individual privacy.

Your privacy is of utmost importance to us. All data collected during this interview process will be used exclusively for research purposes and handled with the utmost confidentiality. Your responses will shape our understanding of AI-integrated OSINT and inform future processes.

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) involves gathering information from publicly available sources to gain insights and make informed decisions. It’s extensively utilized in various industries, including cybersecurity, law enforcement, and competitive intelligence, for threat analysis, reconnaissance, and trend monitoring. Recently, there’s been a notable evolution in OSINT with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). This integration offers enhanced capabilities in data analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive analytics. As the landscape shifts towards AI-integrated OSINT, industry professionals’ opinions are pivotal in understanding its impact on individual privacy and shaping ethical frameworks.

This interview to gain deeper insights into the impact of AI-integrated OSINT on individual privacy, focusing on current practices, ethical concerns, and the necessity for a privacy-preserving framework in the age of AI. Your perspectives are invaluable for understanding the evolving dynamics of information collection and analysis in the context of OSINT and AI technologies.

The interview will last approximately 15–30 minutes.

Francisca Afua Opoku-Boateng, Ph.D.

New America #ShareTheMicInCyber | Fellow

opoku-boateng@newamerica.org

1. Name of Participant
2. Title Position
3. Detailed Background, Credentials, and Years of Experience
4. What has been your experience with OSINT gathering and the issue of data privacy? (Hint: Kind of OSINT tool(s) used, Function and (or) how it affected Data Privacy)
5. Have you come across any OSINT tool(s) or process that leverages Artificial Intelligence to deliver on its functions?
6. If YES, please describe this tool(s) or process to the best of your ability. (Hint: Provide name of tool(s) or process, developer or owner, core function(s)
7. Does the tool(s) described have any privacy concerns that you experienced?
8. If YES, please describe the privacy concerns.
9. In your opinion, what are some of the most significant ethical concerns associated with the use of AI-integrated OSINT generally, and how do these concerns impact individual(s) privacy?
10. What specific challenges or shortcomings do you observe in the current landscape of AI-integrated OSINT practices concerning privacy preservation?
11. What strategies or approaches do you believe are necessary to ensure the responsible and privacy-preserving use of OSINT when AI is involved?
12. What key principles or considerations do you think should be prioritized to safeguard individual privacy rights effectively?
13. Final Comments for Researcher.