CIR Archives - Centre for Information Resilience

Dec 20

Mapping the digital evidence of the Israel-Gaza war

Investigators verified over 1,300 incidents in total, using digital investigation techniques to verify destruction, violence and visible casualties using footage and images shared online, satellite imagery and other types of open source material.

person sitting on chair working on laptop next to big window

Dec 10

A day in the life of an investigator: Inside the world of open source at CIR

Working as an open source (OSINT) investigator at CIR is both challenging and rewarding. Each day brings new opportunities to uncover, verify, and report on critical information related to human rights violations and armed conflicts.

We spoke to Sofia and Erin to find out more about their day-to-day work and how they became investigators at CIR.

Gaza Lebanon Israel Open Source

Nov 28

The digital frontline: Conducting open source investigations in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel

Four investigators share their thoughts and experiences from the past year – providing insights into the role open source research has played in the conflict and the personal challenges they have faced.

Bangladesh Quota protests Sheikh Hasina

Nov 5

Investigating police violence in the deadly Bangladesh quota protests

In protests that began against job quotas and ended with the ousting of the government, footage filmed on the streets reveals a disproportionate level of violence by police officers and military personnel.

US Election Fake Accounts Disinformation Social Media

Sep 6

Unmasking the fake MAGA accounts: stolen photos and digital lies

A network of fake accounts are posing as young American women and posting pro-Trump content online, but they’re hiding behind – and in some cases manipulating – the images of European fashion influencers.

Afghanistan ISKP Islamic State

Sep 2

Surge in Islamic State Khorasan content online coincides with increased reports of linked activities and arrests in Europe and elsewhere

Afghan Witness data shows ISKP attacks have decreased inside Afghanistan, but reports highlight an uptick in linked activities and arrests outside the country amid an intensifying multi-lingual online campaign that draws recruits from Central Asia.

Disinformation

Aug 13

Using open source to analyse breaking news events

When news breaks, misinformation can spread like wildfire. Stefanie Le, a senior CIR investigator based in Washington DC, discusses the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, the online misinformation that surrounded it, and how to use open source methods to try to make sense of it all.

Media Ukraine Russia

Jul 4

Information warfare: five ways Russia captured Ukrainian media

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine saw forces attempt to occupy not only land but minds.

Central Asia Spotlight on Extremism Russia ISKP Islamic State

Jul 1

Islamic State Crocus City Hall attack: analysing the background and online responses

CIR examines the perpetrators behind the Moscow Crocus City Hall attack, the responses from ISKP and reactions from their supporters online.

Jun 26

Open source analysis reveals more than 200 mining contracts set up since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan

In September 2023, the Taliban announced that they had signed more than $6.5 billion in new mining deals. CIR’s Afghan Witness project...

India Sikh independence Open Source Social Media

Jun 13

Return of the RealSikhs: the fake network targeting Sikhs across the world despite platform takedowns

A network that labels Sikh activists as "extremists" and attempts to undermine calls for Sikh independence has reappeared on social media.

Myanmar Sudan Gaza Press freedom Ukraine Russia Afghanistan OSINT Open Source

Jun 6

The challenges of open source research in conflict zones: “What we see is the most violent footage – some days, that’s all you see”

Several CIR open source investigators shed light on the challenges of investigating human rights abuses and war crimes.