Technology-driven Intelligence Innovation
This theme looks at the opportunities presented by technologies such as AI to transform the security and intelligence architecture.
Our research on technology-driven intelligence innovation explores how developments in technology are changing the apparatus of the security community for the better. While technology is providing threat actors with new avenues to undermine national security, it is simultaneously creating opportunities to revolutionise the way intelligence is conducted.
RUSI research has previously highlighted how AI, for example, can be used to augment human analysis processes through natural language processing and audio-visual analysis, filtering and triage of collected data, and behavioural analytics. Privacy-enhancing technologies such as homomorphic encryption, multi-party computation and differential privacy could transform the way that data is collected and shared within the security community and with external partners.
In policing, data analytics and algorithms are increasingly used to build classification tools supporting human-led risk assessments. Our research has also highlighted the untapped potential of open-source intelligence techniques in the current security and intelligence architecture. Across all these areas, potential risks and relevant legal and ethical considerations need to be at the forefront of the debate to ensure that technology-driven innovation happens in a proportionate and transparent manner.
Our experts
James Sullivan
Director, Cyber Research
Cyber
Conrad Prince CB
Distinguished Fellow and Senior Cyber Adviser
James Byrne
Director, OSIA
Open-Source Intelligence and Analysis (OSIA)
Joe Byrne
Research Fellow
Open-Source Intelligence and Analysis (OSIA)
Paul O’Neill
Director, Military Sciences
Military Sciences
Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein CBE FREng DSc MAE FCGI
Distinguished Fellow
Dr Marion Oswald MBE
Associate Fellow
Dr Andrew Glazzard OBE
Senior Associate Fellow
Ardi Janjeva
Former Research Fellow
Programme outputs
Access related reports, past projects and workshops
OMDDAC provides a public space for the consolidation of knowledge and understanding of data-driven approaches to COVID-19, focusing on legal, ethical, policy and operational challenges.
Reports
Projects
Workshops
RUSI-NCA TRACER Workshop: Privacy-protecting Technology, Data and Regulation: Current and Future Landscape - November 2021
RUSI held an in-person workshop in November 2021 in collaboration with the NCA. The workshop presented an important opportunity for the UK law enforcement community to discuss with distinguished external experts the current and future landscapes in privacy-protecting technology, data and regulation, including legal and evidential considerations, the future of law enforcement’s relationship with Big Tech, and public perceptions and engagement.
RUSI-NCA TRACER Workshop Series: Digital Skills and Knowledge in the Field of Digital Investigation - June 2020
RUSI held two online workshops in June 2020 in collaboration with the NCA. The first of these focused on ‘public engagement and outreach in the field of digital investigation, and the second focused on ‘digital skills and knowledge’. Both workshops featured representatives from across government and law enforcement, and an invited group of academic and civil society experts working in the fields of digital investigation, public engagement, law and ethics, and the privacy and security implications of emerging technology.
