This workshop is a five-day in-person training that will teach digital investigation techniques and provide extensive guided, hands-on practice. The workshop will run over a full week, from May 6-10, 2024. Each day, the workshop will run for approximately eight hours (9am-5pm, including lunch and breaks) in Washington, DC, USA. All participants must attend in-person. At least two Bellingcat trainers will be present throughout the week.
Only 20 seats are being sold for this event.
Our in-person workshops are split into two segments: approximately three days (~24 hours) of hands-on training developing approaches and techniques of digital investigation, and approximately two days (~16 hours) of guided project work. We also have at least one "guest appearance" of other researchers working in digital investigations, either appearing in-person or virtually.
The course's content over the first three days will include:
- Introduction to open source investigation
- Creative search fundamentals
- How to conduct (nearly) traceless and anonymous/pseudonymous research
Beginning to advanced verification topics, including:
- Verification of user-generated materials
- Intuitive reverse search techniques in digital investigations
- Geolocation & chronolocation of visual materials
- Using mapping and satellite services in investigations
Beginning to advanced social media topics, including:
- Fundamental techniques and creative search strategies on individuals & groups
- Platform-specific tutorials, including Telegram and others as time allows (e.g. 4chan/8kun, "alternative" social platforms such as Gab, etc.)
- How to archive digital materials for open source investigations
- Tracking transportation services (e.g. naval vessels, aircraft) for investigations
We will send the precise workshop venue location, time, and other logistical details to workshop participants in the week before the event. The venue is easily accessible within Washington, DC. Please note that the location on the map in the Eventzilla page is not accurate for the actual venue -- this is just the default location for Washington, DC on the site. Coffee/tea and light lunches will be provided to participants at the venue.
Please contact us at workshops@bellingcat.com if you have any questions. We are looking forward to seeing our participants in-person!
