OSINT
Survey on Online Reputation and Digital Identity in France
What the Internet Says About You
Your digital identity—all the information circulating online about you or your business—shapes your reputation far beyond what you can control. Reviews, articles, posts, photos, and mentions on social media: these elements paint a picture that can sometimes slip completely out of your control and harm you.
When negative, defamatory, or simply false content damages your reputation, the first useful step is not to react hastily, but to understand exactly what is circulating, where, and who is behind it. This is the purpose of an open-source investigation: to map your digital footprint in order to assess the situation objectively.
With this information, you can take effective action: request a takedown, file a lawsuit, or simply regain control of your image. Our role is to provide you with a clear and well-documented overview, which is essential before taking any action.
What’s Included
: Our Services
- Our goal is to objectively assess and document your online presence:
- A comprehensive analysis of your digital footprint;
- Identification of harmful, defamatory, or false content;
- Tracing the origin and authors of anonymous content;
- Dated and documented findings that can be used in court;
- Recommendations for regaining control of your image.
Each item is time-stamped and recorded in a clear report. When the breach involves fake accounts, the investigation extends to our identity theft detection.
How is the investigation proceeding?
It all starts with a confidential, free, and no-obligation consultation to assess your situation and establish a clear objective. Our investigators then map out your digital footprint and identify the content in question, anywhere in France. Our digital investigations are conducted under the supervision of Sarah Da Silva, who heads the Aquila Group’s OSINT division. You’ll receive a detailed report that can be used to file a takedown request or pursue legal action.
Document the issue to have it resolved or to take action
Harmful content does not disappear simply because you want it to: to have it removed by a platform or through a court order, you must have documented it in a conclusive manner, with a date and context. Our report compiles these findings in an admissible format, giving your attorney the tools to take effective action.
This thoroughness makes all the difference: a report based on solid evidence is far more effective than a simple complaint. We therefore compile the case file with its intended use—whether for an out-of-court settlement or litigation—in mind from the very beginning.
Identifying the authors behind the anonymity
Online anonymity is never complete: a pseudonym, a fake account, or a malicious review leaves traces that can often be linked to a specific person through methodical cross-checking. Our investigators use these traces in accordance with the law to help you identify the source of a smear campaign.
Identifying the perpetrator is often the key to effective action: knowing who is responsible allows you to tailor your response—whether it’s an amicable or legal one—rather than fighting an invisible adversary.
Legal Framework and Privacy
Digital investigations are only valid if they strictly adhere to the legal framework and personal data protection requirements. We rely exclusively on lawful sources and comply with the CNIL’s recommendations regarding the processing of information. This compliance ensures both the admissibility of our findings and the legitimacy of our approach.
We strictly prohibit any excessive data collection or unauthorized access: the reliability of an OSINT investigation depends as much on its methodology as on its compliance.
Why Choose the Aquila Group
The Aquila Group is a private detective agency licensed by the CNAPS, ensuring that our operations are strictly regulated by law. Your investigations are conducted by our own investigators, and we operate throughout France—with particularly high demand in the Paris region—thanks to our network of twenty offices across five regions.
Our work is grounded in expertise in digital investigations, discretion, and compliance with the legal framework. To discuss your situation with us, please contact our teams : the initial consultation is free and non-binding.
Individuals and businesses are also affected
Reputation damage doesn’t just affect public figures. An individual may be targeted by malicious comments, misused photos, or fake reviews; a company may be targeted by organized smear campaigns, fake comments, or hostile campaigns. In both cases, the consequences are tangible: eroded trust, damaged relationships, and lost opportunities.
For an individual, the issue is often personal and urgent. For a company, it is a matter of business and reputation, and can affect both revenue and recruitment. We tailor our approach to each of these situations, applying the same rigor in our assessment and the same discretion in our approach.
In any case, the first step is the same: take a step back and assess the situation objectively before reacting, to avoid hasty reactions that sometimes make the situation worse instead of resolving it.
Regain control in a sustainable way
Beyond addressing a specific incident, our goal is to help you regain lasting control over your image. Understanding what is circulating, who is behind it, and through which channels allows you to take action not only on the current incident but also to better anticipate future ones.
Where appropriate, we provide you with concrete recommendations for monitoring your carbon footprint and responding quickly in the future. This approach transforms a defensive strategy into a genuine, calm, and informed effort to regain control.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A firm accredited by the CNAPS maps your digital footprint using lawful sources, in compliance with the legal framework and personal data protection regulations.
Often, yes. Anonymous content leaves traces that can frequently be linked to its author through lawful cross-referencing.
Yes. When dated and documented, it supports a takedown request submitted to a platform, just as it would in a legal proceeding.
The estimate is free and non-binding. The cost depends on the scope of the research; it will be clearly communicated to you before any work begins.
Yes, throughout France thanks to our network of offices, as most of the work can be done using open-source tools.
Browse all of our OSINT investigation sections
Be sure to check out our section on TSCM detection – Electronic dust removal for detecting hidden microphones and cameras, as well as our insurance division.