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News from UserSearch

Product releases, training sessions, partnerships and company announcements from the team building UserSearch.

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The latest from UserSearch

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WebinarFree Visual OSINT training announced for 24 AugustOn 24 August, UserSearch Subject Matter Expert Mark Bentley will lead a free, practical session on turning images into usable investigative leads.
In this update
  • Bentley will work through the 6+2 Action Framework, including reverse engineering, hash searches and bulk metadata extraction
  • The tool comparison covers Google Lens, TinEye and the different matching methods behind them
  • Case examples cover image-location assessment, candidate matching, information-security lessons and SHA-256 integrity verification
Announcement archive

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Each announcement expands to show its details, version references and relevant links.

2026

14 updates
SponsorshipUserSearch supports the Trace Labs CTF at DEF CON 34Trace Labs confirmed UserSearch as a continuing sponsor of its Global OSINT Search Party CTF held alongside DEF CON 34 on 8 August 2026.
In this update
  • Trace Labs operated the CTF; UserSearch participated as a third-party event sponsor
  • The sponsorship also provided lunch for volunteer staff and coaches
  • The 8 August event ran alongside DEF CON 34
Product releaseDashboard update adds private bookmarks and OneScan company researchA July platform update introduced user-controlled bookmark storage, the OneScan Module for Corporate Intelligence and additional OSINT Industries premium Modules inside existing UserSearch accounts.
In this update
  • Documented storage choices include local Bookmarks and server-stored Case Bookmarks protected by a custom Case password
  • OneScan combines company and director results from multiple corporate data sources
  • Additional premium Modules return source-attributed account-presence and public-profile signals for review inside a Case
WebinarFormer NCA investigator demonstrates a live online investigationNow available to watch back, this practical training session follows a former UK National Crime Agency officer through an open-source research scenario.
In this update
  • The walkthrough was first broadcast live on 4 August 2026
  • It focuses on the decisions an experienced investigator makes while developing online leads
  • The complete session is available on the UserSearch YouTube channel
Product releaseUserSearch Forensic Capture launches as a free browser extensionThe free Forensic Capture extension records web pages, online video and audio, then creates cryptographic hashes and, when enabled, requests third-party timestamp verification to support later integrity checks.
In this update
  • Capture processing and evidence storage remain on the investigator’s device
  • The extension records web pages as well as online video and audio
  • Users remain responsible for having lawful access to the content they capture
  • Access is free with a verified UserSearch account
Product releasev2.0.20UserSearch 2.0.20 introduces Cyber Intelligence and Bulk searchVersion 2.0.20 delivered a redesigned dashboard, a new Shodan-powered Cyber Intelligence Search type, updated SargeBot models and Bulk search for multiple inputs.
In this update
  • Twelve Shodan-powered Modules return source-indexed metadata about user-supplied hosts and other internet-facing systems
  • The Search type reviews indexed metadata; it does not authenticate to or control the systems described
  • Bulk search can process up to five usernames, email addresses or phone numbers through one Module into a sortable results table
  • SargeBot added Claude Opus 4.8 and Sonnet 5 model options
Company updateUserSearch announces booth 11 at the UK NPCC intelligence conferenceUserSearch announced that it would exhibit at booth 11 during the UK NPCC Internet, Intelligence and Investigations Conference, giving delegates a chance to try newly released features.
In this update
  • The conference was scheduled for 30 June to 1 July 2026
  • Delegates were invited to test brand-new UserSearch features with the team
  • The time-limited conference offer included one month of platform access and a UserSearch search allowance
SponsorshipUserSearch sponsors the OSINT Village at leHACKUserSearch returned to leHACK in Paris as the OSINT Village sponsor, meeting practitioners and demonstrating the investigation platform in person.
In this update
  • leHACK confirmed UserSearch as the event’s OSINT sponsor
  • The team joined practitioners in the OSINT Village throughout the Paris event
  • Visitors could reserve time for a focused, live platform demonstration
TeamMark Bentley joins UserSearch as a Subject Matter ExpertUserSearch welcomed Mark Bentley to the team as its Subject Matter Expert.
In this update
  • The appointment was announced as part of the company’s continuing team growth
Company updateUserSearch demonstrates SargeBot at OsmosisConThe UserSearch team attended OsmosisCon in Florida, meeting OSINT practitioners and demonstrating SargeBot from its conference booth.
In this update
  • UserSearch hosted an exhibition booth at the Florida event
  • Attendees could see the newly released SargeBot in action
  • Anyone who missed the booth was invited to arrange a separate live SargeBot demonstration
Company updateUserSearch features in a RootedCON presentationEthical hacker Thomas O’Neil Álvarez featured UserSearch during his presentation at RootedCON.
In this update
  • UserSearch credited Álvarez for including the platform in his talk
Product releasev2.0.18Corporate Intelligence launches with four named data sourcesUserSearch introduced Corporate Intelligence as a new data type, bringing corporate filings, director records and sanctions-screening context into desktop, mobile and SargeBot workflows.
In this update
  • The release names OpenCorporates, Companies House, the US SEC and OpenSanctions
  • Public corporate and regulatory sources support company, director and sanctions research
  • Corporate Intelligence is available in Desktop Investigator, Mobile Investigator and SargeBot
Product releaseSargeBot adds dynamic reporting and multi-model AIA major SargeBot upgrade introduced evolving reports that can be restructured on command, alongside a choice of AI engines for different search workflows.
In this update
  • Reports update as a search develops and can be reorganised on request
  • Structured exports support professional reporting and remain subject to user review
  • Available model choices include Opus, Sonnet, GPT, Gemini and Grok
Product releasev2.0.17SargeBot launches as an AI-assisted search workspaceUserSearch launched SargeBot, a model-agnostic AI workspace for searches using user-supplied names, images, contact identifiers and domains across integrated data sources.
In this update
  • The release covers candidate image-similarity, domain, company, public-profile and contact-data research
  • Results from different data sources can be reviewed together inside the workspace
  • The first-run flow requires a lawful-use acknowledgement and reminds users that AI outputs may be inaccurate and need verification
SponsorshipUserSearch sponsors the February Trace Labs CTFTrace Labs announced UserSearch as a sponsor of its 21 February 2026 OSINT CTF, supporting the event and its participants.
In this update
  • Trace Labs introduced UserSearch 2.0 as a new sponsor for the event

2025

19 updates
Product releasev2.0.16Version 2.0.16 adds cross-jurisdiction court-record researchUserSearch Premium added a OneScan Module for researching source-provided court records across selected jurisdictions from one interface.
In this update
  • The initial release covered court-record sources across five national systems
  • OneScan reduces the need to repeat the same supplied query across separate national services
  • Coverage and permitted access vary by jurisdiction and source; records require independent verification and are not an eligibility decision
Product releasev2.0.15Version 2.0.15 brings image research into OneScanThe OneScan Module in the Picture Search type introduced parallel checks across six third-party visual-research data sources, returning source-labelled results in one review table.
In this update
  • The workflow supports reverse-image matching, scene and location assessment, duplicate discovery and candidate-image review
  • Results remain attributed to the originating service so investigators can compare and verify potential matches
  • Visual similarities are research leads, not identity determinations; lawful authority and human review remain required
Product releasev2.0.14Version 2.0.14 launches OneScan for email and phone researchThe OneScan Module began running customer-supplied email addresses and phone numbers across several integrated data sources and combining the source-labelled results in one dashboard.
In this update
  • At launch, the workflow brought together OSINT Industries, Epieos, Predicta Search and Castrick Clues checks; current data-source availability may differ
  • Investigators can filter by data source or compare differences in enrichment depth side by side
  • Optional AI-assisted review can reconcile duplicate or conflicting results and draft a report for human verification
Product releaseUserSearch introduces a mobile-first search experienceA mobile-first interface made the main UserSearch workflow easier to use on phones and tablets, without separating field searches from the investigator’s desktop account.
In this update
  • Queries using supplied usernames, email addresses and phone numbers can be started while working on site or travelling
  • The same account and investigation tools remain available across supported device sizes
  • Visual mapping and AI-assisted review remain part of the mobile workflow
Company updateUserSearch participates in ISS World Asia 2025UserSearch confirmed its participation in ISS World Asia in Singapore from 2 to 4 September 2025, meeting attendees from across the region.
In this update
  • The UserSearch team was available at booth 28 throughout the event
  • Attendees could see how the platform supports complex, authorised investigation workflows
Company updateUserSearch founder joins the community at DEF CONFounder Lee Lewis joined the security and OSINT community at DEF CON in Las Vegas, where attendees could meet him in person.
In this update
  • Attendees who found Lee Lewis during the event were offered UserSearch swag and a complimentary platform search allowance
Company updateUserSearch.com officially launchesUserSearch.com went live as the new public home of the platform, completing a wider domain change and brand refresh.
In this update
  • The launch introduced the UserSearch.com domain to the public
  • New users could review source-attributed results from Epieos, OSINT Industries, Pipl and more than 50 other integrations through the platform
  • Existing Premium members were included in the launch usage promotion
Product releasev2.0.12GPT and Grok review tools become available inside UserSearchUserSearch integrated GPT and Grok so investigators can ask an AI assistant to review user-selected Case results within the platform.
In this update
  • GPT or Grok can review results gathered from several data sources in one workspace
  • Investigators can use prepared expert prompts or ask their own questions in natural language
  • Confidence indicators, pattern review and draft report generation are built into the flow; AI output remains subject to user review
Product releasev2.0.11Reddit Timeline and an integrated AI OSINT suite launchA new Reddit Timeline organises selected public posts, comments and available metadata into chronological order, alongside optional AI-assisted review tools.
In this update
  • Posts and comments are merged into one timestamped activity timeline
  • Profile context includes join date, karma and moderator or verification status where available
  • Optional GPT and Grok workflows can review more than 2,000 comments and posts; their output remains subject to investigator review
SponsorshipUserSearch sponsors the Layer 8 ConferenceUserSearch confirmed its sponsorship of the Layer 8 Conference on 14 June 2025, supporting an event focused on OSINT and social-engineering awareness.
In this update
  • The company founder planned to meet attendees in person
Data partnershipv2.0.10IntelX and DeHashed add supplied-identifier exposure checksThe May 2025 release announcement introduced IntelX and DeHashed integrations for source-attributed exposure checks on identifiers supplied by an authorised user.
In this update
  • Users can check supplied email, username, phone, IP, domain, VIN, address and name identifiers for exposure indicators
  • Coverage sits alongside Have I Been Pwned, Hudson Rock, Spamhaus and UserSearch exposure data sources
  • Each check begins with an identifier supplied by an authorised user for defensive research
  • Source results require careful handling and independent verification; this archive does not specify every returned source field
Product releasev2.0.8Team accounts introduce shared Case workspacesUserSearch launched team accounts to help organisations coordinate searches, manage seats and share Case resources within one account.
In this update
  • Team leaders can manage seats and Case access as requirements change
  • A shared prepaid usage balance supports UserSearch searches across the team under the team leader’s control
  • Shared Cases and Bookmarks keep saved work visible to authorised team members
Product releasev2.0.6 / v2.0.7Name search and Credits controls expandAn April platform update expanded the OSINT Industries integration with username and name searches and introduced optional Credits controls.
In this update
  • OSINT Industries username and name-search results became available through the existing UserSearch workflow
  • Users can configure Auto-topup for the prepaid balance used by UserSearch searches
  • Monthly plans can add search usage to that UserSearch balance on a recurring schedule
Product releasev2.0.5Company research receives a major data upgradeEleven business-intelligence capabilities were added for existing subscribers, extending UserSearch workflows for reviewing companies, public filings and potential corporate misconduct.
In this update
  • OpenCorporates data supports global company, director, formation, filing and address research
  • Additional Modules examine adverts, live search trends, products, patents and Apple App metadata
  • The release supports due-diligence and regulatory enquiries into complex ownership, connected entities and potential misconduct
Product releasev2.0.3Version 2.0.3 expands defensive exposure intelligenceThe February 2025 release announcement described user-initiated checks for source-reported exposure indicators associated with supplied identifiers.
In this update
  • The announced inputs were a supplied email address, phone number or domain
  • Each defensive check begins with an identifier supplied by the user
  • Results were framed as research leads requiring independent verification; this archive does not specify every returned source field
  • A separate service-status dashboard for platform integrations was included in the release
Data partnershipCastrick Clues partnership broadens access to reverse lookupsUserSearch marked its continuing Castrick Clues data partnership with a temporary reduction in the Credit cost of reverse-lookup searches conducted through the platform.
In this update
  • The campaign covered Castrick Clues reverse-lookup searches
  • The integration was offered at a temporary promotional Credit cost
  • The announcement followed the original Castrick Clues integration release
Company updateUserSearch publishes a twelve-month subscription updateUserSearch published a company-reported twelve-month comparison covering paid and free platform subscriptions.
In this update
  • The source announcement reported year-on-year increases across paid and free subscriptions
  • The update also recorded the acquisition of UserSearch.com and OSINT.wiki
  • Pipl, Spamhaus, Epieos, Hudson Rock and other integrations were highlighted as part of the year’s expansion
Data partnershipv2.0.2Spamhaus reputation and abuse-prevention intelligence becomes availableA new Spamhaus integration brought blocklist and reputation intelligence into UserSearch for defensive investigations into malicious infrastructure and abuse indicators.
In this update
  • Domain Reputation Search returns malicious IPs, senders, nameservers and A records
  • Malware URL Search provides threat context for suspicious links
  • IP Reputation Search surfaces listing dates, botnet names and known spam activity
Data partnershipv2.0.1Pipl integration adds source-attributed people-search resultsUserSearch completed its Pipl integration, allowing results from user-supplied identifiers to be reviewed alongside other data sources within a Case.
In this update
  • The release supported searches using usernames, email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle details and person information
  • Source-attributed results can be compared, bookmarked and included in UserSearch reporting workflows
  • The initial release was available to users in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe

2024

25 updates
Product releasev2.0.0Telegram investigation capabilities expandFive dedicated Telegram tools brought public-message, user and channel research into one investigation workflow.
In this update
  • Public-message search covers conversations, authors, channels, timestamps and replies
  • User and channel lookups include historic names, profile images, status and creation details where available
  • Available public channel data can be filtered and exported for case analysis
  • The archived announcement concerns source-provided public data, not private-chat or account access
TeamUserSearch opens recruitment for seven rolesUserSearch advertised seven positions through OSINT-Jobs.com as the company expanded its intelligence, security and platform teams.
In this update
  • Six of the advertised positions were available remotely
  • One role was based in the United Kingdom
  • Applications were directed through the specialist OSINT-Jobs board
Data partnershipTelemetryApp partnership adds indexed public Telegram contentUserSearch announced a TelemetryApp data partnership that added a searchable, daily-updated index of public Telegram messages to the platform.
In this update
  • At launch, the source announcement reported an index of 2.37 billion public messages
  • Messages can be searched using words or complete phrases
  • The partnership description concerns indexed public messages, not private-chat or account access
  • The same release added favicon search, interface improvements and better small-screen support
Data partnershipv1.0.29Castrick Clues enrichment Modules join UserSearchUserSearch integrated Castrick Clues Modules for email and phone enrichment, alongside a GitHub-focused username research Module.
In this update
  • Email and phone lookups can return additional source-attributed association signals
  • The GitHub Module covers repositories, contributions and audience information
  • Source-attributed results can be compared with other data sources and reviewed within a Case
Product releasev1.0.27Version 1.0.27 adds public-blockchain address researchUserSearch 1.0.27 introduced non-custodial research into public blockchain addresses and source-attributed associations through Onchain Industries and OSINT Industries.
In this update
  • Address associations can be researched using a supplied blockchain address, email, username or website
  • The workflow combines Onchain Industries and OSINT Industries data
  • The research workflow does not buy, sell, transfer or hold cryptocurrency
Data partnershipv1.0.26Epieos email and phone searches join UserSearchUserSearch integrated source-attributed Epieos email and phone results into its Case-based search workflow.
In this update
  • Results can be reviewed alongside other data sources within a Case
  • The release also introduced light and dark themes plus sortable result tables
  • Advanced public-web queries, username lookups and Google Lens image searches gained direct shortcuts
Product releasev1.0.25AI-assisted matching and pattern analysis launchUserSearch added configurable AI-assisted analysis tools that suggest fuzzy matches and recurring patterns across collected results for investigator review.
In this update
  • Automatic fuzzy matching highlights similar result values
  • Pattern recognition and partial phone-number detection support correlation
  • A matching-sensitivity control lets investigators adjust the breadth of suggested matches
TeamDheeraj Yadav joins UserSearch as Head of MarketingUserSearch welcomed Dheeraj Yadav as Head of Marketing, adding experience across the OSINT, cyber-security and professional marketing sectors.
In this update
  • The role covers UserSearch marketing strategy and communications
  • His earlier work included OSINT Ambition, osinttools.io and osinters.bio
  • The appointment brought established OSINT and cyber-sector experience into the team
Company updateOSINT Experts & Resources community launches on RedditUserSearch announced a new Reddit community intended to give experienced practitioners a professionally led place to discuss OSINT resources and methods.
In this update
  • The community was launched under the OSINT Experts & Resources name
  • Its stated focus is practitioner-led discussion and useful research material
  • The launch extended UserSearch community activity onto Reddit
Product releasev1.0.24Project Hawk-Eye adds graph-based relationship analysisProject Hawk-Eye introduced a dynamic graph view for visualising OSINT results and exploring suggested relationships between investigation entities.
In this update
  • A physics-based graph lets investigators move, bookmark and remove individual results
  • The AI engine suggests connections across usernames, email addresses and enriched social data
  • Candidate connections remain subject to investigator confirmation and potential false positives can be filtered
Product releasev1.0.21 / v1.0.22Website Forensics expands historic network analysisFollowing its August launch, Website Forensics was expanded to compare shared third-party services and possible connections across current and archived versions of websites.
In this update
  • Coverage grew from 20 to 84 third-party services
  • Archived public registration records and more than 80 third-party service identifiers are compared
  • First-seen and last-seen dates help show when a shared identifier connected two sites
Data partnershipv1.0.23Predicta Search integration adds reverse phone and email researchUserSearch integrated Predicta Search capabilities from Predicta Labs, adding advanced reverse-phone and reverse-email searches to the platform.
In this update
  • Advanced reverse-phone searching is available through the integration
  • Reverse-email research is included in the same release
  • Predicta results can be used alongside other UserSearch data sources
  • Results are research leads, not consumer reports, and may not be used for employment, housing, credit or insurance eligibility decisions
Product releasev1.0.20Reduced-retention and Forensic Mode options launch with faster OSINT Industries accessUserSearch introduced reduced-retention and Forensic Mode options while adopting early access to the OSINT Industries streaming API for faster Module results.
In this update
  • The reduced-retention option was presented for more ephemeral searches, while Forensic Mode preserves detailed Case activity records
  • The OSINT Industries streaming API returns integrated email and phone results as they arrive
  • Username coverage was expanded and false-positive handling was revised in the same update
Data partnershipUserSearch becomes a founding member of a UK OSINT associationUserSearch announced that it was one of the founding members of a new non-profit association created to support the growth and professional development of the UK OSINT community.
In this update
  • UserSearch said it intended to help develop the group into a supportive, professional community
Product releasev1.0.17Free reverse-username Module checks up to 3,000 supported sitesUserSearch released a free reverse-username Module that checks publicly accessible profiles across up to 3,000 supported websites.
In this update
  • The Module returns candidate profile matches for user validation
  • Results can be filtered by site type, country and match status
  • Profile enrichment, Case Bookmarks and custom reports are included in the workflow
TeamUserSearch recruits OSINT research and development specialistsUserSearch opened recruitment for several OSINT specialists to contribute technical research and development work as the platform team expanded.
In this update
  • The search focused on experienced OSINT practitioners
  • Roles combined technical research with product development
  • Applications were hosted through OSINT-Jobs.com
Product releasev1.0.15ProtonMail signals and email-correlation tools launchA weekly platform release added source-attributed ProtonMail account signals for supplied email addresses and an email-to-name correlation workflow.
In this update
  • ProtonMail analysis checks account-creation information, custom domains and catch-all configuration
  • Email-to-name searching may return a source-attributed name or active Gravatar image
  • Two companion Modules review historic public domain-registration records by email address or domain
Product releaseHistorical wireless-network observations join UserSearch PremiumUserSearch Premium added research using crowd-sourced WiGLE records for supplied Wi-Fi and Bluetooth identifiers, showing historical observations rather than live device tracking.
In this update
  • Reports can include SSID, network identifier and device type
  • Source-reported location detail can range from city to street level where available
  • Observation timelines show when an identifier was recorded by the source
Data partnershipOSINT Industries Adidas account-presence Module becomes availableAn OSINT Industries email-based Adidas account-presence check became available through the platform’s existing data-source integration.
In this update
  • The Module checks for source-attributed Adidas account-association signals
  • The workflow runs through OSINT Industries rather than a direct sign-in to an Adidas account
  • Existing API integration enabled same-day availability in UserSearch
Data partnershipv1.0.12Third-party image location-estimation integration launchedUserSearch added a third-party service that could estimate the location shown in an image from its visual content without leaving the platform.
In this update
  • The search begins with the content of an uploaded image
  • The service returned an approximate location for user validation, not live tracking
  • This archive records the April 2024 launch and does not indicate current Module availability
Data partnershipv1.0.10Third-party face-similarity and blockchain-report checks addedA March 2024 release added candidate face-similarity review for a user-supplied image and source-attributed public reports associated with supplied blockchain addresses.
In this update
  • Image comparisons return possible matches for human review, not identity determinations
  • Public reports are third-party research indicators and do not establish wrongdoing
  • Results may not be used for employment, housing, credit, insurance or other eligibility decisions
  • Blockchain-address research is informational and does not buy, sell, transfer or hold cryptocurrency
Data partnershipv1.0.8 / v1.0.9OSINT Industries results integrate directly into UserSearchUserSearch integrated source-attributed OSINT Industries results for supplied email addresses and phone numbers into its Case-based search workflow.
In this update
  • Email and phone results can be reviewed alongside other data sources
  • Case Bookmarks and reporting provide a consistent workflow across integrated sources
  • Results remain research leads that require human verification
Product releasev1.0.7Version 1.0.7 adds AI-assisted thematic reviewUserSearch Premium 1.0.7 introduced AI-assisted review of selected public content, suggesting possible writing and interest themes for human validation.
In this update
  • Analysis covers stated interests, hobbies and writing style
  • Sentiment and technology-affinity suggestions can be reviewed
  • Suggested themes are analytical leads rather than factual or sensitive-trait determinations
Product releasev1.0.6Version 1.0.6 introduces AI-assisted image location estimationUserSearch 1.0.6 added an AI-powered geolocation tool designed to estimate where a photograph was taken from the visual information it contains.
In this update
  • The workflow starts from an uploaded image
  • AI analysis proposes approximate geographic context for investigator validation, not live tracking
  • The feature was released as part of the weekly platform update

2023

1 update
Product releasev1.0.0UserSearch Beta 1.0 opens to investigatorsUserSearch launched Beta 1.0, opening early access to its advanced search platform following a public preview two days earlier.
In this update
  • The beta covered more than 600 websites and four reverse-email search routes
  • Public-profile research, text analysis, reverse-image search, saved Case review tools, Bookmarks and Reports were included
  • A free account provided an entry point before upgrading to the advanced service

2022

1 update
Product releaseDorkSearch launched a library of more than 7,000 public-web queriesThe UserSearch team introduced DorkSearch, an advanced public-web query library with a custom Google search-query builder.
In this update
  • The launch included more than 7,000 prebuilt public-web queries
  • A custom builder lets researchers assemble their own queries
  • Queries operate over public search-engine indexes and do not bypass authentication
  • Use is limited to assets and research scopes the user is authorised to assess

2021

1 update
Company updateUserSearch reports continued growth in the United StatesUserSearch.org reported rapid growth in US username searches, while the separate members-only UserSearch.io service continued to add subscribers.
In this update
  • The public site focused on username-search discovery
  • UserSearch.io provided a separate members-only service
  • The source announcement reported continued month-to-month membership growth for UserSearch.io

2020

1 update
Company updateUserSearch.io opens premium membership to alpha testersUserSearch opened premium UserSearch.io membership to alpha testers.
In this update
  • The invitation offered alpha testers access to the members-only service