Sign In

Henk van Ess

Worldwide workshops social media and web research. I am obsessed with finding diamonds in raw data. l talk and write about that passion. Assessor for worldwide IFCN fact-checkers. Co-Author Verification Handbook.

Henk van Ess is a renowned public figure in open-source intelligence (OSINT) hailing from the Netherlands. He collaborates with prestigious media houses and law enforcement agencies, transforming how open-source data influences research globally.

Being a prominent voice in OSINT, Henk's work encompasses internet research, AI implementation in research, strategic Google utilization, and social media analysis. He specializes in employing innovative online research tools and methodologies like 'Thinking as a document' and deciphering narratives from data patterns.

Henk's expertise extends to roles such as an evaluator for the International Fact-Checking Network and a guest lecturer at esteemed institutions, including the Free Tech Academy in Berlin and Arizona State University in Phoenix. He has provided training and guidance to over 20 Pulitzer Prize winners from publications like The Washington Post and WSJ, collaborating with law firms, financial professionals, NGOs, and media outlets such as Pro Publica, ITV, Danwatch, SRF, DPG Media, and NBC News to tackle social issues and complex legal cases.

A familiar face at conferences like IRE, GIJC, and SKUP, Henk's unique information gathering approach, blending lateral and literal thinking, resonates with diverse audiences, from journalists to educators. He offers workshops in English, German, and Dutch, catering to organizations seeking to enhance their open-source investigative capabilities with responsible AI integration and a human-centric focus.

In the realm of literature, Henk has authored several impactful works like 'Handboek Datajournalistiek,' co-authored the 'Verification Handbook' and 'Richtig Recherchieren,' and published upcoming books such as 'Google Code Editie Politie' (2023) and 'The Researcher's Guide to Practical AI, Edition 2024.' Google recognized his former website, and he has been actively involved with the Emmy-winning initiative, Bellingcat.

Identified as an Assertive Logician (INTP-A), Henk approaches labels with skepticism, maintaining a critical outlook. His famous quote 'We always start in the darkness' has inspired notable teams like The Washington Post's verification team. Henk's widespread experience spans various positions at notable organizations, emphasizing his extensive professional journey and diverse expertise in the field of open-source intelligence.

Henk van Ess's commitment to fostering innovation in OSINT and empowering professionals worldwide showcases his dedication to reshaping research methodologies and leveraging data to uncover compelling narratives and insights.

Keywords: Open-Source Intelligence, OSINT, Internet Research, AI Implementation, Social Media Analysis, Data Patterns, Investigative Journalism, Training Workshops, Responsible AI, Human-Centric Approach, Author, Educator, Public Speaking, Media Collaboration, Legal Cases, Pulitzer Prize, Fact-Checking, Global Investigative Journalism Network, Bellingcat, Assertive Logician, International Expertise

Highlights

Jan 27 · twitter

Meanwhile in London. What can possible go wrong? https://t.co/XqxJ33Rbyc

Meanwhile in London. What can possible go wrong? https://t.co/XqxJ33Rbyc
Sep 3 · twitter

Murder suspect. Fashion model. #AI fake. How Luigi #Mangione ended up selling shirts on Shein without knowing it—and how I proved it was artificial. Investigation:https://t.co/06m3UTDUqP h/t @GrahamJFraser

Henk van Ess
Add to my network

Location

Phoenix, Arizona, United States