Role of Social Media and Online News in 2022 Sri Lankan Riots and Utilization of OODA Loop Based OSINT Framework

Abstract

Prolonged riots that violate legal rights and peaceful limits, turning violent with the potential to lead to anarchical social unrest, are perceived as threats to national security. In the digital age, these threats are exacerbated by the impact of online news and social media. Activists often utilize platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Telegram for riot organization without relying on traditional hierarchical structures. This situation poses significant challenges for national security stakeholders, requiring them to respond swiftly to the rapidly evolving online landscape. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) proves valuable in comprehending the role of social media in riots. This paper presents a case study of the 2022 riots in Sri Lanka, delving into social media's contribution to propaganda, organization, and mobilization. To achieve this, temporal data regarding hashtags, growth in online group membership, call-for-action posts, and YouTube Live streams were collected for analysis. Furthermore, an analysis of online news volume related to the riots was conducted using the Global Database for Events Language and Tone (GDELT) to gauge the intensity of the riots as depicted in media coverage. Drawing from these insights and analyses, an operational framework is proposed for responding to the use of online news and social media in the context of riots. This framework incorporates elements from the OODA loop and other existing models and frameworks. It underscores the significance of proactive analysis of online and social media activities associated with riots and emphasizes the need for swift and effective responses to emerging threats. This research delves into the impact of social media on riots, utilizing the 2022 unrest in Sri Lanka as a case study. The study adds to the growing body of literature on the utilization of online news and social media in riots, shedding light on the critical role of OSINT techniques in comprehending and addressing emerging threats.