Sunlight is the Best Disinfectant: Open-Source Monitoring of the BWC

In the absence of formal inspection protocols, states parties of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) continue to trade unsubstantiated accusations undermining confidence in the BWC and fueling geopolitical distrust. This commentary argues that open-source intelligence (OSINT) offers a vital, albeit imperfect, solution to enhance BWC compliance in this environment. It also discusses 2 primary ways OSINT can contribute. First, by providing transparent, verifiable evidence to support or refute compliance allegations, OSINT can mitigate credibility challenges associated with state-issued intelligence. This is made possible by ever-expanding publicly available data streams from high-resolution satellite imagery to publication and patent databases and publication records. Second, OSINT empowers civil society organizations to monitor bioscience activities, expose suspected violations, and exert public pressure for accountability. Although OSINT cannot fully substitute for onsite inspections or confirm intent, embracing OSINT as both a technical resource and an advocacy tool offers a practical pathway to strengthen BWC compliance and reinforce the norm against biological weapons.