Open-source intelligence (OSINT) and international humanitarian law: exploring the scope and limitations of civilian participation in the Russia-Ukraine war

Since the inception of the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols, warfare has evolved significantly, driven by technological advancements and real-time information sharing. The integration of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) has redefined war tactics, as demonstrated by the use of Foreign Broadcast Intelligence Service during World War II and recent social media posts by Ukrainian citizens to track Russian troop movements. The free flow of information via both formal and informal channels has led to a new era of information warfare, blurring the lines between combatants and civilians. In the Russia-Ukraine war, civilians have actively assisted armed forces using OSINT, raising questions about their role and safety under the laws of war. This study explores the impact of OSINT on civilian vulnerability, emphasising how their participation has challenged the conventional distinction between combatants, non-combatants, and Prisoners-of-War, reshaping the nature of modern warfare.