Imagine a scenario where physical borders are no longer sufficient to contain the immense volume of data circulating in real time, determining the success or failure of transactions thousands of miles away. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is not just a technological tool, but an extension of borders themselves, a lens that transcends geographical limitations and focuses on the invisible, the digital.
This concept, explored in depth in the World Customs Organization (WCO) study (1), reveals the transformative power of OSINT. It is a revolution that goes beyond traditional customs control practices. Customs, historically focused on physical and documentary verifications, now enter a universe of open data extracted from social networks, e-commerce sites and even connected devices. This new arsenal of information offers a vision that - until a few years ago - seemed straight out of science fiction.
The WCO study: reimagining customs
The WCO report, which serves as the basis for this transformation, explores how OSINT can be used to track fraud and identify smuggling schemes, acting as an invisible force that permeates global transactions. In fragile border situations, public data collection enables customs to intercept illicit activity before goods reach inspection points. It is as if customs were suddenly present in every corner of global trade, albeit physically far away.
This study exemplifies the potential of OSINT in tracking, for example, suspicious movements on social networks or forums where criminals discuss strategies to circumvent customs laws. Using tools such as Google Hacking and Shodan, customs anticipate events, breaking with the reactive logic of the past. Control becomes preventive.
What is OSINT and why is it important?
OSINT can be described as the ability to extract intelligence from open, publicly accessible sources. What was once a flood of scattered data is transformed, through the application of OSINT, into a coherent picture where patterns can be detected and anomalies identified. Imagine an endless ocean of data organized into concrete lines of action, allowing customs and other actors to act with surgical precision.
Using techniques such as web scraping and the power of artificial intelligence (AI), customs can see far beyond physical borders. And what was previously impossible to monitor can now be tracked in real time. Imagine an endless stream of information coming from different sources, collected, processed and interpreted. OSINT confers unprecedented surveillance power.
The first step towards fully utilizing OSINT in customs involves building a technological architecture capable of handling the immense amount of data being extracted from social media, e-commerce sites and connected devices. This architecture must include robust big data systems and workflows that collect, process and organize the data in real time, making it operational for customs authorities. Furthermore, interoperability between customs systems in different countries is crucial to ensure that information can be shared securely and effectively. However, implementing a big data infrastructure that is sufficiently agile and capable of integrating with systems from different jurisdictions can be a monumental challenge, especially in regions with limited technological infrastructure.
Another central aspect of this revolution is the integration of artificial intelligence with OSINT for the analysis of collected data. Machine learning techniques, both supervised and unsupervised, enable customs to detect patterns of suspicious behaviour and identify fraud or smuggling with greater accuracy. The use of pattern recognition and anomaly detection algorithms offers considerable predictive power, anticipating threats even before they reach physical borders. However, the quality of available data is a constant concern. Open source data can be inconsistent or incomplete, making it difficult to train effective AI models. Thus, the reliance on large volumes of high-quality data becomes a significant barrier to the successful implementation of this technology.
In addition to technical challenges, cybersecurity and data privacy emerge as areas of major concern. The volume of digital information handled by customs in real time demands rigorous measures to protect this data against cyberattacks and ensure compliance with international regulations. The collection and use of public data must be carefully monitored to prevent invasion of the privacy of individuals and companies. Balancing security with privacy is one of the most complex dilemmas faced by customs administrations, as the use of sensitive data for surveillance purposes can raise ethical and legal controversies.
Deep implications: beyond technology, a new reality
When we talk about customs beyond physical borders, we are referring to overcoming paradigms. The impact of OSINT goes far beyond a simple technological tool: it redefines the role of customs and expands its capabilities into territories that have never been explored before. For customs administrations, this transformation implies the need for a profound reconfiguration: a new mentality to deal with immense volumes of data and, at the same time, greater integration with digital borders.
However, this capability also brings with it new challenges. While customs are becoming more efficient and secure, the reliance on data creates an unprecedented ethical responsibility. The use of public data must be aligned with international privacy and information protection regulations. OSINT is a powerful tool, but its power must be managed carefully. The balance between security and privacy is the dilemma that arises.
In developing countries, these challenges are even more pronounced. The implementation of advanced technologies such as OSINT and AI often faces barriers such as insufficient infrastructure, lack of qualified human resources, and limited budgets. The absence of adequate IT infrastructure can prevent these nations from keeping pace with global innovations, creating a significant technological gap in the customs sector. Adapting these solutions in contexts with infrastructure and funding constraints is therefore a complex task, requiring careful strategic planning.
Another critical challenge in OSINT adoption is the scalability of solutions. As the volume of global transactions continues to grow, customs need scalable systems that can handle ever-increasing amounts of data and new threats. Implementing solutions that are flexible enough to adapt to different scenarios and jurisdictions is essential. However, keeping AI algorithms relevant over time – ensuring they are updated with current data and able to deal with new forms of fraud and smuggling – is an ongoing challenge.
Finally, team training and change management are key aspects to the success of this revolution in customs. The transition from traditional physical and documentary verification processes to the use of advanced technological tools requires a significant effort to train staff and update their skills. The role of the customs broker, for example, is changing dramatically, requiring them to develop skills in data analysis, cybersecurity and international collaboration. However, resistance to change within public organizations and the lack of qualified labor are obstacles that cannot be ignored.
The public sector: a new horizon for customs
Customs beyond physical borders reflects a paradigm shift for the public sector. The use of OSINT offers customs a degree of control that, until recently, was unthinkable. Imagine customs capable of anticipating fraud before it occurs, using data collected on social media, forums or even connected sensors that monitor the movement of goods in real time.
The WCO study highlights the importance of international cooperation. OSINT allows customs from different countries to collaborate efficiently, sharing information and adopting joint measures to combat transnational crime. Physical borders lose their rigidity and barriers become more fluid as global trade is monitored at a level hitherto unattainable.
Furthermore, the adoption of technologies such as OSINT and AI requires initial investments by public institutions. However, these outlays are justified by the returns they can generate in the medium term, bringing greater efficiency and agility to customs operations, in addition to reducing the risk of fraud. By integrating these new technologies, public institutions will promote a safer and more transparent environment for international trade, which will benefit the entire value chain.
Thus, the implementation of OSINT in customs also depends on close international collaboration. The exchange of information between different customs administrations must be efficient and secure, and this will only be possible through data standardisation and the creation of application programming interfaces (APIs) that facilitate this integration. However, the coordination of efforts between countries with different regulations and IT systems is one of the greatest challenges for the globalisation of digital customs. In addition, many countries still use outdated systems, which are not easily compatible with new technologies, requiring significant investments to modernise their infrastructures.
The private sector: challenges and opportunities
On the other hand, for importers and exporters, this new technological reality brings with it the need for a complete overhaul of their operational practices. Customs beyond physical borders imposes unprecedented levels of transparency. Control is no longer limited to ports and customs zones; it now extends to the continuous monitoring of companies' digital interactions, from internal communication to transactions on online platforms, always looking for signs of irregularities or possible violations of customs regulations. This requires companies to adapt to a scenario of constant digital surveillance, where every movement can be analyzed by OSINT tools.
Companies operating legitimately have much to gain. OSINT offers opportunities to improve risk management, optimize supply chains, and ensure their operations are always in compliance with international regulations. However, with this new transparency comes the need to protect data. Managing information privacy becomes a central challenge, requiring companies to invest in cybersecurity to protect their operations against attacks or leaks.
As we said, legitimate businesses find numerous opportunities in this new context. OSINT is not only a tool for customs, but also for businesses, allowing them to improve their risk management. Using the same data monitoring tools, businesses can identify compliance threats in advance, preventing potential regulatory issues before they turn into sanctions or fines. In addition, optimizing supply chains is a significant advantage. With increased visibility into the global flow of goods and data, businesses can improve logistics planning, reduce operational bottlenecks, and mitigate supply disruptions.
However, with this increased transparency also comes new critical challenges, especially around data protection. Handling large volumes of digital information creates greater vulnerability to cyberattacks and data breaches, which can negatively impact unprepared businesses. Cybersecurity, therefore, becomes a central pillar in modern business operations. Companies are required to invest in advanced digital security solutions, such as encryption, intrusion detection, and robust data management policies, to protect not only their operations, but also the sensitive information of their customers and business partners.
Ultimately, companies that are proactive in adapting their operations to new technological demands will not only have a better chance of avoiding regulatory issues, but will also be better positioned to reap the benefits of this new digital reality. Implementing predictive compliance strategies, which use AI and OSINT tools to continuously monitor compliance risks, can transform the way companies approach customs enforcement. This can include, for example, automating internal audits, monitoring social media to identify potential threats to the supply chain, and using data analytics to forecast demand patterns and goods movements.
In this way, those who invest in adequate digital infrastructure and in the training of their teams will have a significant advantage in a scenario where transparency, compliance and cybersecurity are indispensable for success in international trade.
AI: an irreversible path
The adoption of AI has already established itself as a strategic necessity for global trade, with an impact that goes beyond operational efficiency. AI’s ability to analyze large volumes of data in real time, identify fraud patterns, and predict risky behaviors from open data makes it an essential tool for modern customs operations. However, the implementation of these technologies is not without challenges. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in digital borders, the complexity of its use increases, requiring not only a robust technological infrastructure, but also a workforce trained to handle the tools and ethical challenges that accompany this revolution.
The recent international treaty signed between the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union marks an important step in establishing global guidelines for the development and use of AI. The agreement, cited by the Financial Times (2) highlights the need to balance technological innovation with the protection of human rights and democratic values, in a scenario where the boundaries between privacy and security are becoming increasingly blurred. This regulation seeks to ensure that AI is used in an ethical and transparent manner, preventing abuses and guaranteeing that technological advances are beneficial to society as a whole. By creating a global regulatory framework, these countries hope to lead the way towards responsible adoption of AI, serving as a reference for other nations.
In addition to ethical issues, international cooperation will be crucial to ensure the success of AI in customs and global trade. Integrating technologies across different countries requires close collaboration, both in data sharing and in creating common standards that can be applied globally. This will not only increase the efficiency of customs operations, but will also promote global security, as threats in international trade, such as smuggling and tax evasion, are transnational in nature. Therefore, the irreversible adoption of AI requires a coordinated effort to build a regulatory environment that is both innovative and secure, protecting global trade and individual freedoms.
New skills for customs brokers
The arrival of OSINT also requires customs brokers to develop new skills to meet the demands of this new scenario. The role of the traditional broker, focused on documentation and physical processing, is changing. Now, brokers need to have:
1. Digital skills: Familiarity with OSINT tools and big data platforms will be essential.
2. Cybersecurity: Knowledge about data protection and privacy will be essential, given the volume of digital information involved.
3. Data analytics: The ability to interpret and analyze large volumes of data in real time to predict and mitigate business risks will be a highly valued skill.
4. International collaboration: The forwarder must act in global networks, understanding the regulations of various countries and collaborating with international entities to ensure compliance.
In addition to these competencies, another emerging skill will be the management of automation technologies, as the digitalization of customs will drive the use of automated systems for document processing and transaction analysis. Customs brokers will have to manage integrated platforms that use artificial intelligence to streamline processes, which will reduce response time and increase efficiency. As a result, the role of the broker will become increasingly strategic, requiring the ability to make quick decisions based on accurate data, rather than just performing repetitive operational tasks.
Adaptability and continuous learning also stand out as essential skills. The technological landscape is constantly evolving, and freight forwarders will have to keep up with emerging innovations by participating in regular training to update their skills. The ability to learn new technological tools quickly will be a competitive advantage in the job market. This puts additional pressure on educational institutions and professional associations, which will need to offer a wide range of training and certifications focused on the digital future of global trade.
In this scenario of profound transformations, the strategic investment of representative entities of customs brokers in Brazil, such as SINDASP, stands out. These entities not only anticipate the demands of the sector, but also allocate significant resources to the development of academic initiatives to train both their associates and other professionals in the private sector. A clear example is Educomex.org, which offers training in cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence, JASON, WCO standards and the AFC, preparing professionals to face the challenges of the digital age and promote participatory collaboration.
These investments, together with the support of organisations such as SINDASP, will be crucial to transform customs brokers into key players in business adaptation to the new demands of global trade.
Ethical issues: the dilemma of transparency
This revolution brings with it an unavoidable moral challenge: how far can data collection go without compromising privacy? The ethics of OSINT application must be carefully considered. The WCO study makes clear that responsible use of public data is crucial to ensure that individual rights are respected. Companies and governments must find a balance that allows for security without violating privacy.
Building this ethical balance involves not only clear regulations, but also transparency in how data is collected and used. Accountability mechanisms must be strengthened, ensuring that customs and other institutions do not abuse the power that these new tools confer on them. Furthermore, anonymizing data and implementing rigorous cybersecurity policies can help mitigate the risks associated with the misuse of personal information. However, it is crucial that these measures are constantly reviewed and updated to keep up with rapid technological changes and evolving cyber threats.
The success of this revolution in customs will also depend on continuous monitoring and effective evaluation of the solutions implemented. Defining key performance indicators (KPIs) will be essential to measure the impact of OSINT and AI tools, ensuring that they deliver the expected results without compromising ethics and privacy. However, adapting these metrics to different regional and cultural realities can be challenging, requiring flexibility in data analysis and quality control. Organizations will need to work collaboratively to adjust their approaches to the specific needs of each country, while maintaining a global focus on security and the protection of individual rights.
Conclusion: The future is on the move
We are facing a path of no return. OSINT is already changing the way customs and businesses operate, and this transformation will only continue to deepen. The phrase “customs beyond physical borders” encapsulates this new paradigm, where control goes beyond the physical and visible. It is now present in every byte of data, in every transaction. And for those who know how to navigate this new ocean of information, the possibilities are endless.
This will certainly be one of the central themes during the WCO Technology Conference, which will be held in Brazil in November, addressing not only AI, but also other crucial issues for foreign trade. The implementation of advanced technologies such as OSINT and AI will be essential to shape the future of customs operations, increasing efficiency, security and international cooperation. Technological transformations and their ethical implications will be at the heart of the discussions, taking customs to a new level on the global stage.
The quiet revolution in customs is thus underway, but its full implementation requires a careful approach ranging from investments in technological infrastructure to the development of new skills for customs professionals. While the challenges are significant, the opportunities that OSINT and AI offer to transform customs globally are immense, and those who can navigate this new sea of data will be better positioned to meet the challenges of international trade.
- World Customs Organization (2024). Study on OSINT and its application in customs surveillance. Available in: www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/enforcement-and-compliance/activities-and-programmes/security-programme/osint-report_final.pdf?db=web
- Murgia, M and Espinoza, J (September 5, 2024). US, Britain and Brussels to sign agreement on AI standards, Financial Times. Available in:https://www.ft.com/content/4052e7fe-7b8a-4c42-baa2-b608ba858df5
Customs Broker, with a degree in Economics and a Master in Business Administration in Business Management from Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV). Co-founder of EBIMEX Comércio Exterior and Director of the Union of Customs Brokers of São Paulo (SINDASP), Brazil. He works as an Advisor on Marketing and Institutional Communication at the International Association of Professional Customs Agents (ASAPRA) and is a member of the Brazilian Chamber of Pharmaceutical Products (CBFARMA) of the CNC. He holds certifications in Artificial Intelligence from the OAS (Organization of American States) and in Marketing and Communication from the International Business Management Institute (IBMI), Germany.
Postdoctoral researcher at the École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) in Montreal, Canada, with a focus on modeling and simulation of manufacturing systems and integration of artificial intelligence in decision-making processes for Industry 4.0. He has published several articles in journals and presented papers at conferences, with interests in artificial intelligence, operational research, optimization and production systems. Currently, he serves as Operational Coordinator of the Educomex.org platform.
