An Intelligence Perspective on Privacy and Data Protection Risks in Social Media

Since the emergence of Internet and social media, new Intelligence branches have flourished, like CYBERINT (Cyber Intelligence), OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) or SOCMINT (Social Media Intelligence), with the aim to exploit different dimensions of the virtual world. These Intelligence-related disciplines may inquire personal information, statements and conversations posted voluntarily on websites or social platforms in order to profile people, identify social networks and organizational structures, and uncover vulnerabilities and threats/risks that can jeopardize the security of individuals or organizations. In this respect, the Internet - as environment - can provide valuable information from both technical and social side. This is why the World Wide Web is and will remain an important place to search for data and information that can be processed into Intelligence, and represents the reason why people working in sensitive domains (e.g. Intelligence) should be aware of their vulnerabilities and the risks and threats posed by this environment.

DISCLAIMER: This paper expresses the views, interpretations, and independent position of the authors. It should not be regarded as an official document, nor expressing formal opinions or policies, of NATO or the HUMINT Centre of Excellence.