Charley
@charleymaher.bsky.social
Social Editor at Bellingcat. Prev investigative reporter for BBC, TBIJ, Seen & many others...
Professional account, working class journo.
Thoughts are my own. Like discussing representation, accessibility, new tech , social impact and tackling disinfo.
Professional account, working class journo.
Thoughts are my own. Like discussing representation, accessibility, new tech , social impact and tackling disinfo.
Pinned
Charley
@charleymaher.bsky.social
· Feb 11
After running a few BlueSky accounts I thought I'd make one of my own!
Hello! I'm @bellingcat.com 's Social Media Editor 👋
Will mostly post about representation in media and cool storytelling methods! And obviously if you're not already, go follow Bellingcat!
Hello! I'm @bellingcat.com 's Social Media Editor 👋
Will mostly post about representation in media and cool storytelling methods! And obviously if you're not already, go follow Bellingcat!
Reposted by Charley
New satellite images show the scale of demolition that has occurred on the East Wing of the White House in less than a month.
October 23, 2025 at 7:02 PM
New satellite images show the scale of demolition that has occurred on the East Wing of the White House in less than a month.
Reposted by Charley
NEW: Since October 2023, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit has released dozens of 3D animations illustrating alleged Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian sites
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
October 8, 2025 at 4:58 PM
NEW: Since October 2023, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit has released dozens of 3D animations illustrating alleged Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iranian sites
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
The style is now unmistakable: satellite zoom-ins, black & white wireframes, and red-textured houses - a new visual language of war
Reposted by Charley
Can LLMs identify where a photo was taken? And how accurate are they? We put some AI models to the test...
www.youtube.com/shorts/tUBm4...
www.youtube.com/shorts/tUBm4...
Can ChatGPT Find Out Where Your Photo Was Taken?
YouTube video by Bellingcat
www.youtube.com
September 30, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Can LLMs identify where a photo was taken? And how accurate are they? We put some AI models to the test...
www.youtube.com/shorts/tUBm4...
www.youtube.com/shorts/tUBm4...
Reposted by Charley
We're happy to see that this important project covering the plight of journalists in Gaza has been recognised with an award. You can read Bellingcat's contribution here, which includes explorable 3D models of Jabalia Refugee Camp and Al-Shati Refugee Camp. www.bellingcat.com/news/2025/03...
September 30, 2025 at 4:09 PM
We're happy to see that this important project covering the plight of journalists in Gaza has been recognised with an award. You can read Bellingcat's contribution here, which includes explorable 3D models of Jabalia Refugee Camp and Al-Shati Refugee Camp. www.bellingcat.com/news/2025/03...
Reposted by Charley
Universities may hold the key to fighting misinformation... On Thursday we speak to @utrechtuniversity.bsky.social about their Open-Source Global Justice Investigations Lab discussing how the lab is building critical thinking skills and leading to headline stories.
discord.gg/bellingcat?e...
discord.gg/bellingcat?e...
October 6, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Universities may hold the key to fighting misinformation... On Thursday we speak to @utrechtuniversity.bsky.social about their Open-Source Global Justice Investigations Lab discussing how the lab is building critical thinking skills and leading to headline stories.
discord.gg/bellingcat?e...
discord.gg/bellingcat?e...
Reposted by Charley
Had both the great privilege and some great fun developing some maritime OSINT challenges for the fine folks at @bellingcat.com !
Huge appreciation for their work and other investigative outlets telling the important stories happening on our oceans.
Huge appreciation for their work and other investigative outlets telling the important stories happening on our oceans.
Smuggling routes, illegal fishing operations, and shadow fleets. There’s loads going on at sea. Try to track some ships yourself, this month in the Bellingcat Open Source Challenge. Find the exercises, created by our volunteer @tomi-mcc.bsky.social, here: challenge.bellingcat.com
October 6, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Had both the great privilege and some great fun developing some maritime OSINT challenges for the fine folks at @bellingcat.com !
Huge appreciation for their work and other investigative outlets telling the important stories happening on our oceans.
Huge appreciation for their work and other investigative outlets telling the important stories happening on our oceans.
Reposted by Charley
1. Led by Elon Musk, the far-right has exploded in a campaign to get Netflix to remove shows with queer and trans characters.
If Netflix capitulates to their demands, an already strained market for LGBTQ+ animators might become even more dire.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
If Netflix capitulates to their demands, an already strained market for LGBTQ+ animators might become even more dire.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
Elon Musk Leads Campaign To Force Netflix To Remove Shows With Trans Characters
Musk's posts have been seen by tens of millions of users, and many conservatives are now attempting to force Netflix into a removal of LGBTQ+ content.
www.erininthemorning.com
October 2, 2025 at 5:46 PM
1. Led by Elon Musk, the far-right has exploded in a campaign to get Netflix to remove shows with queer and trans characters.
If Netflix capitulates to their demands, an already strained market for LGBTQ+ animators might become even more dire.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
If Netflix capitulates to their demands, an already strained market for LGBTQ+ animators might become even more dire.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
Reposted by Charley
Our researcher @koltai.bsky.social has been investigating sites advertising non-consensual AI porn for some time. She recently spoke to @newamerica.org about her work for their recent report on the use of this imagery as a threat against women in politics.
I spoke to Adriana Stephan for New America's report on AI deepfake pornography being used against women in politics.
This is a serious problem that disproportionately affects women in politics, and I'm glad to see research go towards addressing it.
www.newamerica.org/future-secur...
This is a serious problem that disproportionately affects women in politics, and I'm glad to see research go towards addressing it.
www.newamerica.org/future-secur...
A Weapon Against Women in Politics: Reining in Nonconsensual Synthetic Intimate Imagery
Nonconsensual intimate imagery often targets and harms women in political life. How does it spread, and what are the solutions?
www.newamerica.org
September 23, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Our researcher @koltai.bsky.social has been investigating sites advertising non-consensual AI porn for some time. She recently spoke to @newamerica.org about her work for their recent report on the use of this imagery as a threat against women in politics.
Reposted by Charley
Read our full analysis here: www.bellingcat.com/news/2025/09...
Incendiary Munitions Strike Gaza-bound Flotilla Two Nights in a Row - bellingcat
On September 8 and 9, two vessels of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) were attacked outside the port of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia. Bellingcat analysed footage and images from both incidents. ...
www.bellingcat.com
September 11, 2025 at 7:55 AM
Read our full analysis here: www.bellingcat.com/news/2025/09...
Reposted by Charley
What struck the Gaza Aid Flotilla? After we published the story, the Tunisian Ministry of Interior issued a statement describing the incident “that took place yesterday” as a “premeditated attack” stating that an investigation had been launched.”
September 11, 2025 at 7:55 AM
What struck the Gaza Aid Flotilla? After we published the story, the Tunisian Ministry of Interior issued a statement describing the incident “that took place yesterday” as a “premeditated attack” stating that an investigation had been launched.”
It appears the Israeli Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism is now claiming Hamas is behind the Global Sumud Flotilla efforts.
www.gov.il/en/pages/glo...
www.gov.il/en/pages/glo...
www.gov.il
September 11, 2025 at 7:58 AM
It appears the Israeli Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism is now claiming Hamas is behind the Global Sumud Flotilla efforts.
www.gov.il/en/pages/glo...
www.gov.il/en/pages/glo...
Reposted by Charley
Reports of an attack, allegedly by a drone, on a vessel in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), while anchored outside the port of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia. The below video shows the moment of the incident. Keep it in mind when you read the next post. www.instagram.com/reel/DOXaR_M...
September 9, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Reports of an attack, allegedly by a drone, on a vessel in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), while anchored outside the port of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia. The below video shows the moment of the incident. Keep it in mind when you read the next post. www.instagram.com/reel/DOXaR_M...
Reposted by Charley
UPDATE Organisers of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists say one of their boats was hit by a suspected drone off the coast of Tunisia, but authorities there say none were detected
u.afp.com/SdES
u.afp.com/SdES
September 9, 2025 at 7:02 AM
UPDATE Organisers of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists say one of their boats was hit by a suspected drone off the coast of Tunisia, but authorities there say none were detected
u.afp.com/SdES
u.afp.com/SdES
Reposted by Charley
It's very easy to get enraged by a video, but sharing older videos as if they were new can muddy the waters for journalists and citizens. Even though the footage may depict a real thing, we need accurate context!
So first things first, we need to determine:
Where this happened
When this happened
So first things first, we need to determine:
Where this happened
When this happened
September 9, 2025 at 12:34 AM
It's very easy to get enraged by a video, but sharing older videos as if they were new can muddy the waters for journalists and citizens. Even though the footage may depict a real thing, we need accurate context!
So first things first, we need to determine:
Where this happened
When this happened
So first things first, we need to determine:
Where this happened
When this happened
Reposted by Charley
As Operation Midway Blitz kicks off in Chicago, it's so important to stay on top of both when and where videos are happening. This video below that features bystanders yelling 'Where you taking them?" and masked agents putting someone into a vehicle is NOT from this weekend.
September 9, 2025 at 12:34 AM
As Operation Midway Blitz kicks off in Chicago, it's so important to stay on top of both when and where videos are happening. This video below that features bystanders yelling 'Where you taking them?" and masked agents putting someone into a vehicle is NOT from this weekend.
Reposted by Charley
BREAKING Organisers of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists say that one of its boats was hit by a suspected drone but that no one was hurt
September 9, 2025 at 12:39 AM
BREAKING Organisers of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists say that one of its boats was hit by a suspected drone but that no one was hurt
Was watching journalist Yusuf Omar's livestream as the main vessel in the flotilla was hit just offshore Tunis. Luckily some accounts recorded it: www.instagram.com/yusufomar?ig...
September 9, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Was watching journalist Yusuf Omar's livestream as the main vessel in the flotilla was hit just offshore Tunis. Luckily some accounts recorded it: www.instagram.com/yusufomar?ig...
Reposted by Charley
The Global Sumud Flotilla says its main ship has been struck by a suspected drone in Tunisia, luckily all passengers and crew are safe
September 9, 2025 at 12:14 AM
The Global Sumud Flotilla says its main ship has been struck by a suspected drone in Tunisia, luckily all passengers and crew are safe
Reposted by Charley
We are excited to see Bellingcat listed as a finalist in four categories in the 2025 Online Journalism Awards awards.journalists.org/winners/2025
2025 Online Journalism Awards
awards.journalists.org
August 22, 2025 at 6:07 PM
We are excited to see Bellingcat listed as a finalist in four categories in the 2025 Online Journalism Awards awards.journalists.org/winners/2025
Reposted by Charley
New from 404 Media: ICE is using a new facial recognition app to identify people, leaked emails show. Point camera at person, reveal their identity. It uses the CBP system that records peoples' faces as they enter or exit the U.S. Now, turned inwards to be used by ICE www.404media.co/ice-is-using...
ICE Is Using a New Facial Recognition App to Identify People, Leaked Emails Show
The new tool, called Mobile Fortify, uses the CBP system which ordinarily takes photos of people when they enter or exit the U.S., according to internal ICE emails viewed by 404 Media. Now ICE is usin...
www.404media.co
June 26, 2025 at 4:45 PM
New from 404 Media: ICE is using a new facial recognition app to identify people, leaked emails show. Point camera at person, reveal their identity. It uses the CBP system that records peoples' faces as they enter or exit the U.S. Now, turned inwards to be used by ICE www.404media.co/ice-is-using...
Reposted by Charley
Last week @koltai.bsky.social and @melzxy.bsky.social dug into the “CrushAI” network, uncovering new companies associated with the deepfake brand. Meta is currently taking legal action against another Crushmate-affiliated company for 1000s of 'nudify ads' that violated its platform policies.
On its website Crushmate claimed to specialise in “crafting an AI girl of your dreams”, but on social ads it promoted a tool for making nonconsensual nude images of real women. @koltai.bsky.social & @melzxy.bsky.social pull back the layers of the “CrushAI” network. www.bellingcat.com/news/america...
New Companies Linked to 'Nudify' Apps That Ran Ads on Facebook, Instagram
Meta is suing Joy Timeline HK Limited, the entity it says is behind the CrushAI apps. But Bellingcat has linked these apps to two other companies.
www.bellingcat.com
June 27, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Last week @koltai.bsky.social and @melzxy.bsky.social dug into the “CrushAI” network, uncovering new companies associated with the deepfake brand. Meta is currently taking legal action against another Crushmate-affiliated company for 1000s of 'nudify ads' that violated its platform policies.
Reposted by Charley
Earlier: "This isn’t a removal. It’s not lawful under the Immigration and Nationality Act. It doesn’t conform to anything that was previously passed in legislation ... Essentially, he was disappeared forcefully."
Shipped to El Salvador: An Austin Immigration Lawyer on Her Teen Client's Forced 'Disappearance'
“Due process hasn’t been protected. The process that is set in place in this country that is the basis and foundation of our legal system was not allowed to work.”
www.texasobserver.org
June 27, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Earlier: "This isn’t a removal. It’s not lawful under the Immigration and Nationality Act. It doesn’t conform to anything that was previously passed in legislation ... Essentially, he was disappeared forcefully."
Reposted by Charley
“If we understand industrial CO2 as debt, then heat is the interest on that debt…we now find ourselves in the default zone.”
And here come the repo-men…
Another banger from @johnvaillant.bsky.social
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
And here come the repo-men…
Another banger from @johnvaillant.bsky.social
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
John Vaillant: Mark Carney should understand better than anyone why Canada is burning. Here’s how he can change course.
Many reasons for our intense wildfire season are well-known. Our leaders need to do the math in order to save our economy - and us
www.thestar.com
June 5, 2025 at 2:50 PM
“If we understand industrial CO2 as debt, then heat is the interest on that debt…we now find ourselves in the default zone.”
And here come the repo-men…
Another banger from @johnvaillant.bsky.social
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
And here come the repo-men…
Another banger from @johnvaillant.bsky.social
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Reposted by Charley
Watch our story on YouTube in this awesome video by @charleymaher.bsky.social and @merelzoet.bsky.social
Murder, mafia, gambling and pigeons?!
How open source research methods helped to unravel a 53 year-old cold case murder...
with @oldpete45.bsky.social and @texasobserver.org
youtu.be/TZcWblhJc_k
How open source research methods helped to unravel a 53 year-old cold case murder...
with @oldpete45.bsky.social and @texasobserver.org
youtu.be/TZcWblhJc_k
Cold Case Reopened - The Forgotten murder of an Texas Oil Baron
YouTube video by Bellingcat
youtu.be
June 2, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Watch our story on YouTube in this awesome video by @charleymaher.bsky.social and @merelzoet.bsky.social
Reposted by Charley
Murder, mafia, gambling and pigeons?!
How open source research methods helped to unravel a 53 year-old cold case murder...
with @oldpete45.bsky.social and @texasobserver.org
youtu.be/TZcWblhJc_k
How open source research methods helped to unravel a 53 year-old cold case murder...
with @oldpete45.bsky.social and @texasobserver.org
youtu.be/TZcWblhJc_k
Cold Case Reopened - The Forgotten murder of an Texas Oil Baron
YouTube video by Bellingcat
youtu.be
June 2, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Murder, mafia, gambling and pigeons?!
How open source research methods helped to unravel a 53 year-old cold case murder...
with @oldpete45.bsky.social and @texasobserver.org
youtu.be/TZcWblhJc_k
How open source research methods helped to unravel a 53 year-old cold case murder...
with @oldpete45.bsky.social and @texasobserver.org
youtu.be/TZcWblhJc_k