Investigative Dashboard (ID) is a start-up launched in the spring of 2010 and dedicated first and foremost to investigative journalists.

ID functions as an aggregation platform and offers a selection of tools developed either by ID staff or by other start-ups selected by ID.

Aside from these tools, ID also facilitates collaboration between fellow journalists when they need to carry out research or investigative work abroad.

ID is the result of a joint initiative bringing together investigative journalism organisations such as the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the Romanian Center for Investigative Journalism (CRJI), the Forum for African Investigative Reporters (FAIR) and the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ).

Project coordinators Paul Cristian Radu (of OCCRP and CRJI) and Justin Arenstein (of FAIR) insist on the fact that ID is a “work in progress” and therefore welcome comments and suggestions about the platform and the tools it offers. 

ID is divided into four sections:

Research Desk is a free service allowing users to post requests for information and assistance in the investigation process of companies or individuals. ID researchers offer their expertise and funding in the management of such operations, which can often be complex and costly.

Worldwide Company Data provides electronic access to public registries of companies across the globe. These registries offer data on the holding structure of companies, their financial situation and management board. The information is available either through an official, paid registry, or through a scrapped version, which can be used as a primary, free, research tool.

In Tools, users can find software for data extraction and visualisation, as well as secure virtual spaces where members of a same team can share information. In addition, the section proposes electronic tools for data search and analysis. The use of most software offered in this section is free of charge.

Data Vault is a search engine indexing data on companies and corporations, amassed by the staff and collaborators of ID. Users can type in the name of the entity they wish to investigate and browse through the relevant documents saved in the vault.

The ID staff also maintains a blog featuring articles about corruption and organised crime and provides helpful video tutorials about investigative methodologies.

Most of the functionalities of ID are focused on the gathering and analysis of corporate and financial information. But beyond that, the platform aims at facilitating and encouraging collaborative journalistic work, especially in the field of investigative journalism, by bringing together professionals from all over the world. 

Published: May 6, 2011