The Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) is a first of its kind organization with technical and policy expertise on disinformation, connective technologies, democracy, and the future of digital rights. Incubated at the Atlantic Council in 2016, the DFRLab has conducted over 1,000 investigations exposing influence operations and emerging digital threats worldwide.

With a team rooted in diverse regional expertise and subject-matter knowledge, the DFRLab works to promote digital resilience, defend democratic institutions, and ensure that objective fact remains central to public discourse in an increasingly contested information space.

Read the DFRLab’s latest case studies, learn about our initiatives, and more at DFRLab.org

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Democracy + Tech Initiative

DTI creates policy practices that align global stakeholders toward tech and governance that reinforces, rather than undermines, open societies. It builds on the DFRLab’s established track record and leadership in the open-source field, empowering global communities to promote transparency and accountability online and around the world.

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.

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From the archives

Experts

Content

New Atlanticist

Aug 7, 2025

Reading between the lines of the dueling US and Chinese AI action plans

By Atlantic Council experts

Washington and Beijing recently released plans for advancing artificial intelligence. Atlantic Council experts answer six big questions about the two publications.

Artificial Intelligence China

New Atlanticist

Aug 4, 2025

As the US retreats from internet governance, Europe must step up

By Konstantinos Komaitis

If Europeans do not actively defend their digital rights model abroad, then they risk seeing the global system drift toward norms that contradict their own.

European Union International Norms

Experts react

Jul 23, 2025

Experts react: What Trump’s new AI Action Plan means for tech, energy, the economy, and more 

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts unpack how the Trump administration’s AI Action Plan will impact the US tech industry, energy policy, and global AI governance.

Artificial Intelligence China

Report

Jul 16, 2025

Digital occupation: Pro-Russian bot networks target Ukraine’s occupied territories on Telegram

By Yuliia Dukach, Iryna Adam, and Meredith Furbish

New analysis of 3,634 automated accounts spreading pro-Russian propaganda on Telegram channels used by Ukrainian populations in occupied territories shows Russia's attempts to extend its occupation into digital spaces.

Conflict Disinformation

Report

Jun 20, 2025

A guide to national security space trends in the GCC

By AzurX and Graham Brookie

AzurX provides a comprehensive picture of the innovative strategies, ambitious missions, and inspiring visions propelling GCC nation space programs to new heights.

Space Space Security

Fast Thinking

May 18, 2025

Why Romania chose centrism in the end

By Atlantic Council

Following Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan's election win, our experts give their takes on what to expect next for Romania and for the country's relations with the world.

Corruption Eastern Europe

New Atlanticist

Apr 30, 2025

Microsoft President Brad Smith pledges to safeguard the company’s operations in Europe—and respect Europe’s laws

By Katherine Golden

Smith, at an Atlantic Council Front Page event, debuted Microsoft's five new commitments to help Europe navigate geopolitical volatility.

European Union Technology & Innovation

New Atlanticist

Apr 23, 2025

How the US retreat from the UN endangers the future of internet governance

By Konstantinos Komaitis

A recent meeting of an obscure United Nations body reveals how the Trump administration is challenging decades of consensus-based work on internet development.

Internet Technology & Innovation

New Atlanticist

Apr 18, 2025

Exposing Pravda: How pro-Kremlin forces are poisoning AI models and rewriting Wikipedia

By Valentin Châtelet

Our investigation explores how Russia is weaponizing Wikipedia and artificial intelligence chatbots to expand its global malign influence campaign.

Disinformation Europe & Eurasia

Report

Mar 10, 2025

Emerging technology policies and democracy in Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia in focus

By Ayantola Alayande, Samuel Segun, and Leah Junck

How are African nations navigating the governance of AI, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies? Emerging Technology Policies and Democracy in Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia in Focus examines how five key countries are shaping regulatory frameworks to drive innovation, protect digital rights, and bridge policy gaps in an evolving tech landscape.

Africa Artificial Intelligence