The Power of OSINT in Serving the Public Interest in the Fight Against Disinformation

This blog post will explore how we employ these innovative tools and methodologies to counter and monitor fakes and influence campaigns, fostering collaboration between stakeholders in the battle against disinformation.

HUMINT: Building Trust and Collaborative Networks

HUMINT is “a category of intelligence derived from information collected and provided by human sources” (source) . We recognize the importance of Human Intelligence in uncovering hidden agendas and propaganda. By engaging with individuals and analyzing their social networks, we help debunk false narratives and promote a culture of critical thinking and skepticism. Our network of disinformation fighters, including journalists, citizens, policymakers, and researchers, is strengthened by the collaborative exchange of HUMINT insights, leading to the creation of a united front against disinformation.

SIGINT: Harnessing Digital Communications for Fact-Checking

SIGINT is intelligence-gathering by interception of signals, whether communications between people or from electronic signals not directly used in communication. We use Signals Intelligence in the fight against disinformation by intercepting and analyzing electronic communications that may contain false information. With the increasing prevalence of social media platforms and digital communication channels, SIGINT can help identify patterns and trends in the spread of misinformation. By pinpointing the origin and distribution of disinformation, SIGINT can provide valuable insights for media organizations, fact-checkers, and public interest groups to counteract false narratives and promote accurate information.

GEOINT: Verifying the Authenticity of Geospatial Data

GEOINT comprises the exploitation and analysis of imagery and geospatial information to describe, assess, and visually depict physical features and geographically referenced activities on Earth. Geospatial Intelligence can play a significant role in verifying the authenticity of images, videos, and other geographically referenced information. By cross-referencing and analyzing data from various sources, such as satellite imagery and geographic information systems (GIS), we can help debunk false claims and confirm the veracity of reported events. In the fight against disinformation, the ability to verify geospatial data is essential in ensuring that the public receives accurate, reliable information.

FININT: Tracking Financial Transactions to Expose Disinformation Campaigns

FININT is the gathering of information about the financial affairs of entities of interest. Financial Intelligence can contribute to the fight against disinformation by uncovering financial transactions that support the spread of false information. By analyzing economic data and financial transactions, FININT can help identify the funding sources behind disinformation campaigns, which can then be exposed to the public. This transparency can lead to increased accountability, deterrence of future disinformation efforts, and a greater understanding of the financial motivations driving the spread of false narratives.

Fostering Collaboration: Connecting the Disinformation Fighters

Check First is dedicated to facilitating collaboration among stakeholders in the fight against disinformation. We believe that by connecting journalists, citizens, policymakers, and researchers, we can create a virtuous loop that empowers these disinformation fighters to work together, organize, and scale up their efforts. Our secure platform allows stakeholders to share their work, exchange ideas, and learn from one another, creating synergy and raising standards in information verification.

Conclusion

We are committed to championing transparency and safeguarding the integrity of our information ecosystem through the use of OSINT techniques like HUMINT, SIGINT, and GEOINT. By providing our stakeholders with innovative tools, methodologies, and a collaborative network, we are empowering the fight against disinformation and promoting a culture of truth and critical thinking. Together, we can create a more informed and resilient society, resistant to the pervasive threat of disinformation.