Уголовно-правовые аспекты использование методов OSINT

Право и управление. Научно-правовой журнал . 2026. № 8. С. 234–241.

Tarasov A.

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study on criminal law risks and challenges arising from the criminal exploitation of open-source intelligence (OSINT) analytical tools. The author reveals the unique dual nature of OSINT technology: while serving as a legitimate means of data collection and analysis for investigations and journalism, it is simultaneously weaponized under modern conditions. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools are increasingly being adapted by the criminal community to prepare targeted phishing attacks, social engineering, doxing, trafficking of personal data and confidential information, as well as cyber fraud and recruitment into terrorist activities. The paper provides a classification of OSINT methods utilized in criminal activities and formulates proposals to improve criminal legislation. The author highlights the regulatory gaps and cross-sectoral conflicts that accompany the legal assessment of the unlawful use of open-source data, distinguishing legitimate information retrieval from criminal acts. Based on the generalization of law enforcement practice, the necessity of introducing a new aggravating circumstance — committing an offense "using OSINT methods" — is substantiated. The study highlights the need to clarify crime elements in the field of illicit personal data trafficking and to separately regulate the use of OSINT in operational-search activities.

Keywords: уголовная ответственность, персональные данные, переквалификация преступлений, criminal liability, qualification of crimes, OSINT, OSINT, кибермошенничество, personal data, cyber fraud, recruitment into terrorist activities, вовлечение в террористическую деятельность