BIG DATA IMPACT IN THE INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITY

Abstract

A massive volume of data (big data) is produced as a result of the rapid technological evolution. This reality imposes on the intelligence activity the need for continuous enhancement of its methods and processes. This article discusses the impact of big data in Intelligence and analyses three aspects of the big data world which affect the working environment of this activity: the information overload, the algorithms increased prediction capability and the risks to democracy sparked by the prevalence of theses algorithms. It also debates the balance between the usage of human resources and artificial intelligence. These aspects are discussed and presented as evidence of the essential need for a solid grasp of the big data tools and techniques by the intelligence community in order to effectively carry out the mandate it receives from the society. The National Intelligence Policy is invoked as a guiding parameter of the intelligence activity and the investment in technologies applied to the treatment and analysis of big data abide by the principles stated in that legal document.