Mumbai-Based Cyber Collective ADL Front: Combating Anti-Muslim Hate Online with Open-Source Intelligence

The Observer Post reports on ADL Front, a Mumbai-based cyber collective using open-source intelligence (OSINT) to combat anti-Muslim hate speech online. Founded by a law student and a management graduate, the organization tracks anonymous social media accounts posting hateful content, building profiles of the individuals behind them, and pursuing legal action. ADL Front has handled nearly 100 cases in three years, with a backlog due to the founders' self-funded status. They use OSINT ethically, without hacking or illegal access, and work with volunteer lawyers. The team also runs an online academy teaching OSINT skills to combat the industrialized anti-Muslim hate content in India. Despite risks, including account suspensions, ADL Front continues to rebuild and educate. Their long-term strategy involves developing an internal talent pool for advanced OSINT training.