With billions of accounts across all its products, Google is one of the most powerful platforms on the modern internet: spanning across Youtube, Gmail, Drive, Maps and more, almost everything on the internet is connected to the Google ecosystem. So when Google’s creators set out ‘to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful’, they didn’t just make it easier to search; they created the ultimate source for OSINT data.
From old Google+ pages to shared Docs, Maps contributions to YouTube activity, the Google network is a rich seam for intrepid OSINT investigators to mine - but only if you know how to wield the pickaxe. In this guide, we’ll show you how to extract all the open source intelligence you need from Google profiles and products. With our tips and tricks, you’ll be able to tap into the tech giant’s hoard and grab the gold - safely, ethically, and easily. Here’s everything you need to know about Google OSINT.
What is OSINT?
If you’re an OSINT professional, you already know the basics. But for the uninitiated (and those who just need a recap), we’ll cover the basics: Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) work is the practice of collecting and analysing publicly available data. This means anything that someone can access online, without hacking or breaking into private systems: news articles, government databases, public records, and of course, social media and web platforms. Social media data is often referred to as SOCMINT, or Social Media Intelligence data.
Want to brush up on the basics? Check out our OSINT Basics series: What is OSINT?
Sounds simple? It usually is - but Google plays a unique role here. Not only does Google run the largest search engine in the world, but it also operates dozens of interconnected services that encourage users to post, comment, share, review, and upload data. All of these interactions produce OSINT data, which (since the death of Google+) is all tied to a single account: a Google profile.
SOCMINT focuses on social networks, and OSINT spreads more widely; but Google OSINT blurs the line. While it’s not a traditional social platform like Facebook or X, Google has social layers built into YouTube, Google Maps reviews, and (in the past) Google+. Factoring in other services that allow you to login using your Google profile - through their Third-party login service… and the average account becomes a comprehensive source for OSINT.
How Google Profiles Work – and Why They’re Valuable
From Google+ to Google Profiles
Every Google service (from Gmail and YouTube to Drive, Docs, Maps, Photos, and third-party logins) is tied to a single Google account. Creating that account automatically generates a profile, which you can personalise with juicy personal data points. This public profile acts as the central hub for a user’s activity across Google’s ecosystem, often linking data points that, when combined, paint a surprisingly complete picture of somebody’s online persona.
If this seems like a lot of data to give away, you’ll be surprised to see that some used to give away more. Historically, Google linked accounts to Facebook-style public profiles through Google+; and while the platform failed, many of those profiles remain searchable or cached, and can reveal photos, work history, and location data. These aside, today’s profiles can still expose very valuable Google OSINT data: real names or aliases, profile pictures, linked YouTube channels, public Google Drive folders, Maps reviews and photos, Google Sites content, and even shared calendar events.
Google Profiles and Privacy
Even today, people underestimate just how much of their “private” Google activity is actually public. Privacy controls do exist, but many users misunderstand them or leave outdated settings in place. This negligence creates gaps that OSINT practitioners can exploit legally.
For example, if somebody accidentally leaves Drive documents open to ‘Viewers → Everyone’, the information inside is fair game. Similarly, Maps reviews tied to identifiable photos are a godsend for geolocation. Even old locked-down accounts can often leak something; you could use a known Google Profile email to find an old Google+ page, then use the Wayback Machine to link this page to deleted YouTube content.
OSINT, SOCMINT and Google OSINT
To sum up, there are three factors that make Google OSINT especially powerful:
- The interconnected nature of Google products
- The long history of stored and cached data
- Google’s own search engine indexing much of its ecosystem
Google OSINT data is as powerful as SOCMINT and OSINT, but and in some ways, even more versatile; the sheer scope, age and searchability of Google’s interconnected services means that one clue can lead to multiple insights - or unlock a whole investigation.
Google OSINT: Three Key Approaches
Just like with our breakdowns on Facebook and Discord OSINT, we can cover most Google OSINT work by laying out four target tasks: finding Google account details, finding Google-linked email addresses, and finding Google-linked phone numbers. With these key techniques in hand, you’ll be able to uncover any information you need with Google OSINT.
1. Finding Google Account Details
Since Google’s ecosystem ties multiple services together, Google accounts details are guaranteed to yield results when put through rigorous enough OSINT practices. Here are our recommended approaches to discover Google account details.
Search Engine Dorking in the Google Ecosystem
Google’s own search engine is perfect for investigating its ecosystem. After all, the two are built to depend on each other; Google automatically queries its own services, and returns them pretty high up in most searches. To get even more accurate results, consider using dorks or specialised search operators, e.g.:
site:aboutme.google.com "[name or username]"
site:plus.google.com "[name]"
site:sites.google.com "[keyword]"
site:drive.google.com "[filename]"
site:youtube.com "[username]"
Don’t just look for exact matches either. Experiment with name variations - any people reused their Google identity across multiple services before privacy settings became stricter.
Youtube, Maps and Other Services
Every YouTube account is tied to a Google profile. Check the “About” section for links, usernames, or email addresses. Comments and playlists can also reveal somebody’s specific interests, as well as known associates and their geolocation.
Speaking of geolocation, Google Maps is one of the most powerful tools for locating targets. If you search for your target identity in Google Maps, it might not light up their location; but it will bring up any telltale Maps Reviews that expose their location, workplace, home neighbourhood, or even photos showing them having a five-star time.
Legacy Profiles
Though discontinued in 2019, Google+ data still lingers across the internet. Many of these old accounts are still available through archives and caches, and some are even still linked to Google profiles that are currently in use. Run them through the Wayback Machine to uncover posted content - most of it will be useful personal details. Similarly, if the subject ever created a Blogger blog (back when they were still a big thing), or Google Site, check their footers and contact pages for emails or additional usernames.
2. Finding Google Email Addresses and Phone Numbers
Google Phone Numbers
Phone numbers linked to Google accounts are typically private, but there are instances where they can be uncovered through Google OSINT methods. Google Business profiles often include phone numbers directly connected to Gmail accounts, especially for small businesses or freelancers. Publicly shared Google Sheets and Docs may also contain contact details if the creator didn’t remember to restrict access.
Gmail Addresses
Emails are the backbone of Google accounts. While users guard them closely, many leak them without realising; especially if they use their account for lots of different services. To find an email address, check if your target has slipped up in the following places:
- About Me Profiles: Search aboutme.google.com/[username]; some list contact info.
- YouTube “For Business Inquiries”: Creators can make a public business email available in their channel settings.
- Public Google Drive Files: Some shared documents contain contact details in metadata, or inside the content itself.
- Google Groups Posts: Group discussions are often indexed and may include emails.
Or, you can make your life immeasurably easier with reverse email lookups. Running a Gmail address through a specially-built OSINT tool like OSINT Industries can reveal linked accounts, usernames, other profiles… and those all-important email addresses.
Want to see Google OSINT in action? Check out our Case Study.
Read: Welcome to the DARC Side: The OSINT Behind Global Journalism
