Online & Open-Source Investigations

A defined question, not an unlimited search

An assignment may concern counterfeit goods, an illicit supply chain, suspicious business activity or an apparent disinformation campaign. We agree the subjects, platforms, languages and period in scope before collecting more information.

The research can examine public profiles, commercial records, relevant websites and other appropriately available sources. Where specialist datasets or tools are used, access and reporting remain subject to the engagement and applicable restrictions.

Connect activity to entities

Investigators can compare identifiers, company interests, seller information and patterns of activity to identify links worth examining. Relationship maps help show how accounts, people and businesses may connect.

An apparent match is not proof that two accounts have the same controller or that a named individual is responsible for a campaign. Attribution requires corroboration, and reports should make uncertainty visible.

Document findings for action

Brand protection work can help a client understand sellers, distribution patterns and possible sources of counterfeit goods. Disinformation research can examine coordinated behaviour and relevant entities without claiming that attribution is always possible.

Findings may support further investigation, a platform report or a discussion with advisers. Removal of content, enforcement and identification of anonymous users cannot be guaranteed. Any continuing monitoring is separately defined by topic, coverage and reporting frequency.

What the engagement can deliver

The proposal confirms the outputs for your assignment. Depending on scope, these can include:

• A research scope with platforms, subjects and questions
• Documented findings with source references and capture context
• Relationship analysis and investigative leads where supported
• An assessment of gaps and options for further action

Questions about online & open-source investigations