OSINT isn’t just about what you find—it’s about what and how you choose to share it. Explore the ethics of storytelling, the pressures facing investigative journalism, and how OSINT is reshaping truth, trust and responsibility in the public domain.

In This Episode…

Open-source intelligence goes beyond tools and techniques—it’s about making ethical decisions and understanding the real-world impact of information. In this episode, Olivia Pirie-Griffiths, Non-Executive Director at the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom and former Director of Impact and Engagement at the Centre for Information Resilience, explores how OSINT intersects with journalism to strengthen truth, trust and democracy.

Olivia makes the case for OSINT as a vital tool in the quest for truth, the need to back journalism with real protections, and why working together – not alone – is key to fixing what’s broken in our information systems.

This conversation challenges us to rethink not just what we uncover with OSINT, but how we present it—and the ethical implications that come with that responsibility.

What You’ll Learn

  • OSINT in Journalism: How open-source methods are becoming essential for verifying information and combating disinformation.
  • The Ethics of Information: The challenges OSINT practitioners and journalists face when using publicly available information, and how they can uphold integrity in their work.
  • Shaping Public Trust: The importance of defining journalism’s role in democracy and how OSINT can be used to reinforce credibility and transparency in the media.

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Resources

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Meet Your Podcast Hosts

Jane van Tienen

With 20+ years in global security and intelligence, Jane is an experienced executive, skilled at leading teams navigating high-stress issues like geopolitics and security risks. Outside of work, Jane enjoys giving back to her community and spending time with loved ones in Australia and the US.

Kylie Pert

After 15+ years working in the Australian National Intelligence and Security communities, Kylie knows a thing or two about the value of open-source intelligence. When she’s not podcasting or running a course for intelligence analysts, you’ll find her at the beach or local indoor play centre with her young family.

Open Secret is recorded on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people. OSINT Combine acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

Open Secret is an OSINT Combine podcast, produced by TributePod