METHOD OF VERIFICATION OF OPEN SOURCES AND DETECTION OF DISINFORMATION USING OSINT TOOLS

Abstract

The article proposes a method for verifying open sources (OSINT) and detecting disinformation in the digital environment. The theoretical foundations of the conceptual apparatus (OSINT, disinformation, manipulation, fact-checking), geolocation and chronolocation procedures, triangulation of sources, assessment of reliability and bias, detection of digital traces and hidden communications in publicly available materials, as well as risks for the researcher and ethical aspects are considered.

A practical algorithm with checklists and a reliability matrix is proposed, as well as a set of tools for analyzing texts, images, videos, network infrastructure and social graphs. Short cases of application of the methods are presented and limitations are identified.

The system architecture is built on a modular principle, where each module performs its own research function: the Source Credibility Matrix module analyzes the historical reliability and transparency of the source; the Contextual Reliability Index is responsible for the correlation analysis of facts through independent channels; the Semantic Sentiment Model conducts an in-depth cognitive assessment of the text, determining the level of manipulativeness; the Verification & Reporting Module forms an evidence base in the form of structured PDF/JSON reports. The system architecture is built on the principle of an intelligent data bus, which allows you to gradually move from collecting facts to forming a reliable conclusion.

The formed theoretical and methodological foundation defines the system as a hybrid model that combines the analytical rigor of OSINT intelligence with the cognitive depth of modern artificial intelligence. The system not only reproduces the classic intelligence cycle, but also expands it through intellectual interpretation, contextual reliability and semantic framing of messages.