At present, Internet open-source data is characterized by massive ubiquity and heterogeneous structure, which has profoundly impacted the traditional intelligence collection model. Limited and targeted collection can hardly meet the needs of the new era, so it is urgent to analyze the changes in its operational logic from the perspective of paradigm transformation. This study aims to reveal the transformation path and provide support for the standardized and intelligent construction of intelligence work. Based on Kuhn’s paradigm theory, this study adopts normative analysis and logical deduction to sort out relevant characteristics and paradigms, analyze the impact of open-source data, identify dilemmas and propose transformation paths. Open-source data has promoted four major transformations in intelligence collection. Meanwhile, feasible solutions are proposed for the dilemmas, and systematic reforms are promoted from four dimensions, which is of great value for improving national intelligence collection capabilities.