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

Article

Feb 26, 2020

Anonymous pro-Russian Telegram channels target protests in Belarus

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

Event Recap

Feb 26, 2020

African Youth Survey launched

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, February 26, the Africa Center hosted the Washington launch of the Ichikowitz Family Foundation’s inaugural African Youth Survey: the most comprehensive overview of youth perspectives in Africa to date.

Africa Economy & Business
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#AlertaVenezuela

Feb 25, 2020

#AlertaVenezuela: February 25, 2020

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

William Castillo, as vice minister of international communications, is one of the most prominent authorities in the Maduro regime’s Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs. Castillo has attacked journalists online for allegedly publishing “fake news,” despite the fact that he has repeatedly published false claims on Twitter.

Disinformation Venezuela

New Atlanticist

Feb 25, 2020

The 5×5—The evolution of the internet and geopolitics

By Simon Handler

The internet has been a pivotal force behind the growth of the global digital economy and altered the relationship among states, their citizens, and the private sector. These changes have disrupted the geopolitical balance of power and ushered in a new generation of globally-powerful multinational companies. However, new dynamics of conflict are threatening the internet as we know it.

Cybersecurity Internet

In the News

Feb 25, 2020

Rodriguez quoted in Defense One on China-US competition over technological innovation

By Atlantic Council

Defense Technologies Politics & Diplomacy

Article

Feb 24, 2020

Anonymous Ukrainian Telegram channels serve as gateways to fringe media

By Roman Osadchuk

Allegations against former Ukrainian MP on anonymous Telegram channels made way to fringe media and other MPs’ Telegram channels.

Disinformation Eastern Europe

In the News

Feb 22, 2020

Durakoglu quoted in the Boston Globe about the state of a US hostage in Lebanon

Disinformation Middle East

In the News

Feb 21, 2020

Sherman in WIRED: Governments Are Clamping Down On Foreign Tech Investments

By Atlantic Council

State inspection of foreign investments at home isn’t novel. Probing NGOs and mandating registration of foreign lobbyists are just two decades-old examples. What’s different today is that countries are accelerating and expanding these powers where they already exist, or freshly architecting them altogether. It’s a way for governments to address two things: perceived foreign influence over their domestic technology spheres, and perceived risks of foreign governments using investments and acquisitions to access sensitive data.

Politics & Diplomacy Technology & Innovation
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#AlertaVenezuela

Feb 18, 2020

#AlertaVenezuela: February 18, 2020

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

A group of Twitter accounts linked to Venezuelan right-wing movements, such as Rumbo Libertad and Derecha Ciudadana, pushed hashtags not only against Nicolás Maduro but also against Juan Guaidó on Twitter. In some tweets, the group asked for military intervention and misleadingly claimed that Guaidó supported the Maduro regime.

Disinformation Venezuela

Article

Feb 18, 2020

Early-morning flare-up in Luhansk

By Michael J. Sheldon

The DFRLab analyzed imagery from intense fighting in eastern Ukraine on the morning of February 18, 2020.

Conflict Disinformation

Experts

Events