In this episode of the Intelligence Spotlight series, Jenna Dolecek delves into the evolving landscape of open source intelligence (OSINT) and its growing relevance in human rights investigations. Drawing on over a decade of experience, she reflects on the ethical dilemmas, the influence of artificial intelligence, and widespread misconceptions that continue to shape the field. Jenna joins Qais Alamdar in a wide-ranging conversation that explores the discipline’s demands — from the emotional toll of secondary trauma to the practical realities of verifying content in complex environments.

Together, they unpack the balance between speed and accuracy, the pitfalls of bias, and the quiet power of patience in OSINT work. From the misuse of terminology to the critical role of tools like reverse image search, this episode offers both a sharp critique and a grounded look at the investigative process, including the often-ignored crisis of missing Indigenous people in North America and the urgent need for support systems for those on the frontlines of digital investigations.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Open Source Intelligence and Jena Dolecek

03:07 The Role of OSINT in Legal Accountability

05:58 Ethics in Open Source Investigations

08:50 Navigating Trauma in Investigative Work

11:48 AI's Impact on OSINT

14:56 Misconceptions in Open Source Intelligence

17:59 Terminology and Definitions in OSINT

25:16 The Importance of Patience and Credibility in Investigations

26:10 Balancing Speed and Accuracy in Open Source Investigations

30:07 Understanding Bias and Its Impact on Investigative Work

32:30 Underrated Tools in OSINT: The Power of Reverse Image Search

37:20 Addressing the Epidemic of Missing Indigenous People

41:02 The Significance of Secondary Trauma Awareness

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