OSINT AS A PROMISING TOOL FOR CONTROLLING LOBBYING ACTIVITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF NATIONAL SECURITY

Abstract

The article focuses on exploring the mechanism for obtaining open source intelligence (OSINT) as a promising tool for controlling lobbying activities in the context of national security. The author analyzes both domestic and foreign approaches to understanding the process of obtaining intelligence from open sources and proposes his own definition of OSINT. Particular attention is given to classifying sources that can be used in OSINT. Given the increasing need for lobbying in Ukraine, the author proposes the creation of a National Council of Ukraine on Lobbying Regulation (NCULR) as a collegial structur focused on protecting Ukraine’s national interests and realizing national security. The study identified the benefits of OSINT for use in the oversight activities of the National Council of Ukraine on lobbying regulation. These include: saving time and resources through the initial collection of open source information on the activities of lobbying entities; the ability to provide the country’s leadership with high-quality analytical information on potentially dangerous activities of lobbying entities; the possibility of publicizing the information obtained through the use of OSINT regarding the illegal activities of lobbyists, given the open nature of such information (which will repel information attacks by unscrupulous lobbyists and dismiss for charges NCULR as a despot). Additionally, the effectiveness of OSINT for NURRL will be driven by the fact that NCULR is comprised of professionals from various fields of expertise and areas of activity. According to the author, the active use of OSINT in NCULR activities should be the key to the effectiveness of lobbying regulation in Ukraine, especially in the context of state security.