Recent analysis

Programs

The Atlantic Council Technology Programs comprises five existing efforts—the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), the GeoTech Center, the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, the Democracy + Tech Initiative, and the Capacity Building Initiative. These operations work together to address the geopolitical implications of technology and provide policymakers and global stakeholders necessary research, insights, and convenings to address challenges around global technology and ensure its responsible advancement.

Content

Pro-Lukashenka Telegram

Article

Sep 1, 2020

Pro-Lukashenka Telegram channels amplify disinformation

By Nika Aleksejeva

Telegram channels deploy anti-protester narratives to win back public support for Lukashenka.

Belarus Disinformation

BelarusAlert

Aug 30, 2020

The infowar behind the Belarus revolution

By Franak Viačorka

Belarusians have managed to outmaneuver the heavy-handed efforts of dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka to silence the protest movement, but now they must also overcome a Kremlin-run infowar.

Belarus Democratic Transitions

In the News

Aug 28, 2020

Crisis innovation through data trusts: Dr. David Bray

By Atlantic Council

Major global crises like COVID-19 have proven how understanding data quickly and effectively will be essential to our survival; and, to meet that necessity, artificial intelligence will be key. However, without intentional choices to put people at the center of how we collect and manage data, artificial intelligence could spell the end of open societies, replaced instead with surveillance states or surveillance capitalism. “If companies or countries want to succeed in the next decade, we’ve got to figure out a way to do data with people, not to people,” Dr. Bray explained.

Cybersecurity Digital Policy
gtc phases of the moon at night

GeoTech Cues

Aug 27, 2020

Making sense of sensemaking: What it is and what it means for pandemic research

By Richard J. Cordes

We are often blind to our incredible, expansive, awe-inspiring ability to make sense of our environment—until we no longer can. R.J. Cordes dives into sensemaking and its role in pandemic research.

Disinformation Internet
AlertaVenezuela email banner

#AlertaVenezuela

Aug 26, 2020

#AlertaVenezuela: August 25, 2020

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

On August 20, 2020, Google suspended three YouTube channels belonging to Maduro regime-funded media outlet VTV and the Gmail account associated with them. The three channels had amassed over 408,100 subscribers and posted almost 69,000 videos by the time they were suspended. The same day, Google also suspended two YouTube channels for Cuban TV programs, but they were available again by August 21.

Disinformation Venezuela
Belarus military trucks on road

Article

Aug 25, 2020

Tracking military movements inside and outside Belarus

By Lukas Andriukaitis

Columns of Belarusian military equipment have been recorded heading toward Baltic states as Belarus witnesses peaceful protests throughout the country.

Belarus Disinformation
BelarusProtest

Article

Aug 24, 2020

The Kremlin’s search for scapegoats in the Belarus protests

By Givi Gigitashvili

Amid ongoing economic integration talks between Russia and Belarus, eight channels attacked opponents of integration and spread pro-Kremlin narratives.

Belarus Disinformation
BelarusFlag

Article

Aug 24, 2020

Activists use Telegram to coordinate Belarus protests

By Nika Aleksejeva

Amid ongoing economic integration talks between Russia and Belarus, eight channels attacked opponents of integration and spread pro-Kremlin narratives.

Belarus Disinformation
earth hands global people all of us

GeoTech Cues

Aug 21, 2020

Why a well-intended ‘Digital Platform Agency’ may not fit our global, networked world

By Atlantic Council

Ultimately, when considering the reality that "Statutes and Regulatory Models Adopted for the Industrial Era are Insufficient for the Realities of the Internet Era", any solutions must consider where the metaphoric puck is going vs. where the puck is.

Civil Society Digital Policy
Aisha Karim

Blog Post

Aug 20, 2020

#DFRLabCoffeeBreak with Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism, Aisha Abdool Karim

DFRLab's Research Assistant, Tessa Knight sits down with Aisha Abdool Karim, journalist for the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism to discuss South Africa's fight against COVID-19 and the disinformation surrounding it.

Africa Disinformation

Experts