Open-source intelligence
Research based on information that is available from public websites, registers, media, social platforms and other open sources. It is often shortened to OSINT.
Our standards
Careful research with clear limits.
We work from a defined question, use appropriate sources and report the information in a way that separates facts from context and uncertainty.
- All reasearch is conducted within clearly defined legal boundaries.
- We agree the purpose, scope and key questions before research starts.
- We consider consent, privacy, source restrictions and the sensitivity of the matter.
- We explain the source, confidence and limitations behind important findings.
- We use secure channels for sensitive documents or detailed evidence after the first enquiry.
- We do not perform hacking, private-account access, surveillance, stalking, harassment or security bypassing.
- Where licensed investigative activity is required, the matter is handled through the appropriate licensed pathway.
Key terms explained
No unexplained acronyms.
These definitions explain the terms used across the site and in service discussions.
Due diligence
Checks completed before working with a person or business, investing, buying a company or entering an important agreement.
Beneficial owner
The person or people who ultimately own or control a company, trust or other structure, even if their name is not shown on the front-facing paperwork.
Politically exposed person
A person with a prominent public role, or a close family member or associate of that person. This is often shortened to PEP.
Know Your Customer
A process used by some organisations to verify a customer. It is often shortened to KYC. Know Your Business, or KYB, is the equivalent check for businesses.
Anti-money laundering
Rules and controls designed to stop money from crime being moved through the financial system. It is often shortened to AML. Counter-terrorism financing, or CTF, addresses funding connected to terrorism.
Dark web
Parts of the internet that are not indexed by normal search engines and may require specialist tools to access. It can contain both legitimate and harmful material.
Digital footprint
Information that a person, company or brand leaves online, including websites, social accounts, media mentions, exposed data and domain registrations.
Questions answered
Clear answers before you decide.
These answers explain the core limits and international reach of our work.
Do you hack systems or access private accounts?
No. The Ninth Lens does not hack systems, access private accounts, bypass security or conduct intrusive activity.
Do you make legal, hiring or investment decisions for clients?
No. We provide research, context and practical recommendations. Clients and their advisers make their own decisions.
Can you research people and businesses across borders?
Yes. The work can draw on international sources across 200 countries and 150+ languages and where information is available.
Clear from the start