Which intelligence discipline focuses on the collection of data from open sources?

Open-source Intelligence (OSINT) is the intelligence discipline specifically dedicated to gathering and analyzing data from publicly available sources. This can include information obtained from traditional media, social media, academic publications, government reports, and any other form of accessible information. The purpose of OSINT is to provide insights and support decision-making by leveraging data that is openly available to anyone, rather than requiring clandestine methods or specialized access.

Focusing on open sources allows analysts to obtain a breadth of information without the legal and ethical considerations that come into play with more sensitive intelligence disciplines. OSINT plays a crucial role in the intelligence community as it can supplement other forms of intelligence and provide context that might not be available through restricted channels.

In contrast, other options align with different intelligence activities: Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) deals with intercepting communications and electronic signals, Human Intelligence (HUMINT) involves information obtained through interpersonal interactions, and Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) relates to data gathered through the analysis of imagery and geospatial information. These disciplines do not primarily focus on publicly accessible data, which reinforces why OSINT is the correct answer.