Abstract
The evolution of contemporary intelligence and the role of social media intelligence (Socmint)
We are constantly being bombarded by the increasing pace of technological development. These developments affect every aspect of society, including business, education, communication and government. One of the most significant technological developments in recent decades, especially in relation to information communications, is the rise of the internet. This development has brought with it an information revolution that has increased the amount of available information, enhanced access to information and reduced the cost of communication.
Against this background, the main aim of this article is to explain the evolution of intelligence and the role of social media intelligence (Socmint). The article focuses on the following:
- The role and function of intelligence.
- The influence of technology in the development of intelligence.
- The post-Cold War period.
- Social media intelligence explained.
- Concluding remarks and perspectives.
The role and function of intelligence has remained the same throughout the ages: to identify threats to, and opportunities for national security. While the role and function has remained the same, the context in which the intelligence organisations function is dynamic and changes constantly. In order to remain relevant it is important for intelligence organisations to adapt to changing environments.
When the history of intelligence is examined, it is clear that the evolution of intelligence is closely linked to the development of technology. In this regard, World War I can be viewed as the beginning of the realisation of the importance and usefulness of intelligence. This can mainly be attributed to the technological developments towards the end of the 19th century, inter alia radiotelephony (developed towards the end of the 19th century), aviation and photography. The successful use of Sigint during World War I paved the way for its use during World War II, and played a crucial role in determining the outcome of the war.
Meanwhile, the end of the Cold War had a profound impact on intelligence organisations. Since then we have been living in a complex global environment where change is a given. One of the most significant developments associated with the internet is the emergence of social media, which changed traditional communication, augmented social interaction, and made state boundaries irrelevant. The phenomenon of social media plays a key role in the production and dissemination of information and people’s access to it. Characteristics such as interactivity, affordability, availability, facelessness and a lack of censorship have increased the use of social media as a tool of communication. These same characteristics also make it attractive to terrorist and other criminal organisations. The implications for national security make social media important for intelligence organisations. Social media provide the intelligence community with a vast quantity of information (Socmint), that could be of importance in safeguarding national security. However, the intelligence community in South Africa is not using this tool to its full potential. This is evident from the July 2021 unrest. Just before and during this event people’s social media were used to call the people to action. However, the intelligence community could not translate this information into actionable intelligence. This event can be classified as a huge intelligence failure. The community has not adapted to the new technological environment, rendering them irrelevant. It is time that the intelligence community in South Africa embraces technological change and includes Socmint as part of the gathering process. While Humint will remain an important part of the gathering process, the intelligence from social media can assist the intelligence community to stay relevant and be the preferred provider of intelligence.
Keywords: big data; communication; digital era; intelligence; internet; Osint; Sigint; social media; Socmint
- This article’s featured image by Camilo Jimenez was obtained from Unsplash.
Lees die volledige artikel in Afrikaans
Die evolusie van eietydse intelligensie en die rol van sosiale-media-intelligensie (Socmint)