Coffee & Conversation with Kevin Carlson

Mr. Carlson kicked off the conversation by highlighting the current uses of OSINT and how the OSE is rapidly adopting automation and emerging technologies to better collect, exploit, and disseminate OSINT. He emphasized that this commitment to technological innovation has allowed OSE to keep pace with the growing demands of national security. 

He then detailed the critical role generative artificial intelligence (GAI) and machine learning play in enhancing the IC’s OSINT capabilities. Mr. Carlson explained that the integration of commercial multi-cloud infrastructure has played a significant role in managing large datasets and improving the use of GAI within OSINT workflows. The automation has greatly improved the speed and accuracy with which OSINT is delivered, ensuring critical information reaches those who need it in a timely manner. 

He acknowledged that the OSE cannot succeed alone and that collaboration with industry and academia is essential to its mission. Mr. Carlson emphasized that much of the innovation surrounding OSINT occurs outside the IC, and the OSE is eager to engage with external experts to stay ahead of technological trends. Mr. Carlson pointed out that the OSE’s "Private Sector and Academic Engagement Program" is designed to foster these partnerships, allowing them to tap into new ideas and address complex issues such as data governance and privacy.

Looking to the future, Mr. Carlson predicted that OSINT’s role within the IC will continue to grow, supported by automation and machine-curated data that will assist analysts in processing large volumes of information. He acknowledged that while this explosion of data presents significant challenges, it also offers tremendous opportunities to improve intelligence capabilities.

Closing out the conversation, Mr. Carlson emphasized the need for partnerships with allies and the private sector to navigate the evolving landscape of OSINT, noting that OSE is always looking ahead to anticipate the challenges of the future.