# Craig Silverman

> Award-winning investigative journalist, OSINT trainer, speaker, disinformation researcher, expert in digital investigations. Cofounder of Indicator. Based in Toronto.

## About

- [About Craig Silverman](https://www.craigsilverman.ca/about-craig-silverman): Bio covering 15+ years investigating disinformation, ad fraud, and platform manipulation. Former ProPublica national reporter and BuzzFeed News media editor.
- [Notable Work](https://www.craigsilverman.ca/notable-work): Major investigations including Google's ad business, Facebook disinformation, Macedonian fake news networks, and digital ad fraud.
- [Books](https://www.craigsilverman.ca/books): Author of Mafiaboy and Regret the Error; editor of the European Journalism Centre's Verification Handbook series.

## Investigations & Expertise

Silverman's investigations focus on:
- **Platform accountability**: Google and Facebook ad systems funding disinformation and fraud
- **Disinformation networks**: Hyperpartisan publishing, coordinated inauthentic behavior, state-linked influence operations
- **Ad fraud**: Traffic manipulation, boomer scams, celebrity impersonation schemes, affiliate fraud
- **OSINT**: Open-source investigation techniques for journalists and researchers

Major award-winning work: Google Ad Business investigation (ProPublica/SABEW); Facebook disinformation package (George Polk Award); Macedonian fake news network exposé; Trap King boomer scams investigation.

## Speaking & Workshops

- [Speaking](https://www.craigsilverman.ca/speaking): Keynotes on fake news, platform manipulation, and digital investigations for newsrooms, universities, and organizations.
- Workshops: OSINT and Digital Investigations (in-person/virtual); Investigating Websites & Ads.
- Past clients: Columbia Journalism School, University of Chicago Institute of Politics, Online News Association, Investigative Reporters and Editors, Global Investigative Journalism Network, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas.

## Credentials & Affiliations

- Lead instructor, Global Investigative Journalism Network Digital Threats program
- Faculty, Toronto Metropolitan University (digital investigations)
- Editor, European Journalism Centre Verification Handbook series
- Cofounder, Indicator (indicator.media) — reader-funded newsletter on digital deception and OSINT

## Awards

- George Polk Award (Facebook disinformation investigation)
- SABEW Best in Business: Data Journalism and Media/Entertainment (Google ad investigation)
- Carey McWilliams Award, American Political Science Association
- McGillivray Award, Canadian Association of Journalists
- Politico 50 honoree
- Mirror Award: Best Commentary, Digital Media (2013)
- National Magazine Awards (multiple)
- Arthur Rowse Award for Press Criticism (Regret the Error)
- Arthur Ellis Award (Mafiaboy)

## Contact

- [Contact](https://www.craigsilverman.ca/contact): Speaking inquiries, workshop bookings, and press requests.
- Newsletter and investigations: https://indicator.media