In this interview, Volodymyr Teliuk, Deputy Director for Strategic Development at Insight Ops, explains which OSINT trends are already visible today and discusses how OSINT, automation, and artificial intelligence are transforming modern open-source research—and why this matters to everyone.
OSINT in Simple Terms
How would you explain what OSINT is to someone hearing this term for the first time?
OSINT is about deriving useful insights from the internet and publicly available information. It is a way of finding, verifying, and analyzing data from open sources so that it supports decision-making. This is not about “spying,” but about understanding what truly lies behind people, companies, or events by using public data—registries, media, social networks, geo- and metadata, open databases, and documents.
Why has OSINT become particularly important since 2022—for Ukraine and globally?
After 2022, the world became far less predictable. Sanctions-related, reputational, and security risks have increased, as has the scale of manipulation and hidden connections. In such conditions, formal checks are no longer sufficient. OSINT makes it possible to see the real state of affairs and identify threats in time—those that are not visible on the surface.
In which areas is OSINT most actively used today?
Most actively in business, finance, IT, journalism, compliance, HR, and security. However, we also see OSINT increasingly integrated into education, the work of civil society organizations, and strategic communications.
OSINT Trends
What key OSINT trends do you see for 2025–2026?
I believe the main trend is the shift from simple data collection to meaningful analysis and forecasting. If OSINT was previously often perceived as a tool to “find something,” today clients want to understand what to do with that information next.
The second important point is that OSINT is increasingly used for business decision-making rather than as a purely formal information-gathering exercise.
Third, in my view, there is growing attention to the responsible use of information—understanding how analytical results can affect people, companies, and processes.
Why is OSINT becoming a necessity rather than an option?
I am convinced that today the world is so information-driven and fast-paced that acting “blindly” is already dangerous. Businesses, public administration, and the public sector constantly face hidden risks, and without OSINT these risks are difficult to notice and fully understand.
Automation and AI
How do AI and automation affect OSINT?
In my opinion, AI is a good assistant, but it can never replace an analyst. Artificial intelligence can collect a large volume of signals, but only a human can understand what is truly important and what is just noise. I always tell clients: automation speeds up the process, but responsibility for conclusions remains with the expert.
On the other hand, AI also creates additional challenges for analysts. There are more and more fakes online—artificially generated photos, videos, and documents—that require detection, verification, and filtering.
Is there a “single database” where all information about a person or company can be found?
I believe this is one of the most common myths. Such a database does not exist and, at present, cannot exist. OSINT is not about a single service—it is about the ability to combine many different sources and databases, identify what matters most, and interpret risks.
OSINT and Business
When do companies usually realize they need OSINT?
Many business owners intuitively understand the need for due diligence, but they do not know how to implement it. Those who are aware of such possibilities, in my experience, usually realize the need either before a very important decision or after certain problems have already occurred. And, honestly, the second scenario happens more often. That is why at Insight Ops we constantly emphasize: OSINT should work proactively, not as an emergency response.
How is Insight Ops different from automated services?
We do not sell our clients a “checkbox” or a dry report. We aim to explain what the identified facts actually mean and what decisions logically follow from them.
In your opinion, what motivates your clients to engage in long-term cooperation with Insight Ops?
In my point of view, the key motivation for long-term cooperation is real results. When OSINT helps avoid risks or make the right decision, clients begin to see it not as a one-off service but as part of their overall strategy. This is something every responsible business should strive for.
Interviewed by Mariana Kitsa