Yes, when conducted within legal boundaries and ethical guidelines.

Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Legality:
  2. Ethics:
    • While OSINT is legal, ethical considerations matter.  We must always ask the following before proceeding with an assignment:
      • Privacy: Respect individuals’ privacy rights. Avoid collecting sensitive personal data without consent.
      • Informed Consent: If you’re gathering data about someone, ensure they’re aware of it.
      • Copyright and Intellectual Property: Be cautious with copyrighted content and intellectual property rights.
      • Purpose: Use OSINT for legitimate purposes (e.g., security, research) rather than malicious intent.
      • Transparency: Be transparent about your intentions and methods.
      • Balance: Weigh the benefits of information gathering against potential harm.

Ethical OSINT contributes positively while respecting privacy and legal boundaries.