The Future of Open Source Intelligence in the Age of AI

Presented by Babel Street & Carahsoft

The future of open source intelligence is being shaped by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly the emergence of agentic AI. Deric Palmer, Chief Technical Officer for OSINT at Asc3ndTech, and John Larson, President and Chief AI Officer at Babel Street, describe how these technologies are transforming intelligence workflows.

Palmer explains that OSINT is fundamentally about collecting and analyzing signals from a wide range of sources. As the volume of available data continues to grow, traditional methods of analysis are becoming increasingly inadequate. Analysts simply cannot keep up with the scale and complexity of modern data environments.

This is where AI comes into play. Larson describes the evolution of AI technologies, from early breakthroughs in image recognition to the rise of large language models and generative AI. These advancements have enabled new capabilities for processing and synthesizing information, laying the foundation for the next phase of innovation: AI agents.

AI agents are designed to perform complex tasks autonomously, reasoning through problems and taking action based on available data. In the context of OSINT, these agents can collect information, analyze patterns, and generate insights at a speed and scale that would be impossible for human analysts alone. The concept of a “swarm” of specialized agents—each performing different functions—represents a significant shift in how intelligence operations are conducted.

However, both Palmer and Larson emphasize that human oversight remains essential. As AI becomes more integrated into intelligence workflows, organizations must ensure that it is used responsibly and effectively. This includes establishing clear mission objectives, implementing governance frameworks, and maintaining transparency in how decisions are made.

The rapid pace of technological change also presents challenges for organizations. Leaders must continuously adapt their strategies, invest in training, and stay informed about emerging capabilities. Those who fail to keep pace risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive and complex environment.

Ultimately, the future of OSINT will be defined by the ability to balance innovation with responsibility. By combining advanced AI capabilities with human expertise and strong governance, agencies can unlock new levels of insight and decision-making power.

Key Takeaways

• AI agents will transform how OSINT is collected and analyzed
• Automation is essential to manage growing data volumes
• Human oversight and governance remain critical in AI-driven intelligence

This interview appeared in the program The OSINT Edge: Where Open Source Meets Mission Advantage which broadcast on April 8th.