The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab is building the world’s leading hub of digital forensic analysts (#DigitalSherlocks).
The DFRLab
At the Atlantic Council’s DFRLab, our mission is:
To identify, expose, and explain disinformation where and when it occurs using open source research; to promote objective truth as a foundation of government for and by people; to protect democratic institutions and norms from those who would seek to undermine them in the digital engagement space.
To create a new model of expertise adapted for impact and real-world results.
To forge digital resilience at a time when humans are more interconnected than at any point in history, by building the world’s leading hub of digital forensic analysts tracking events in governance, technology, security, and where each intersect as they occur, as well as a network of #DigitalSherlocks.
Sun, Feb 14, 2021
Weaponized: How rumors about COVID-19’s origins led to a narrative arms race
A joint research project from the Digital Forensic Research Lab and the Associate Press on information environments during the first six months of COVID-19.
Thu, Dec 17, 2020
Countering Chinese disinformation reports
A series of reports on countering Chinese disinformation campaigns around the globe from the Digital Forensic Research Lab and Asia Security Initiative, housed in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.
In-Depth Research & Reports by
Sat, Jun 22, 2019
Operation Secondary Infektion
A Russian-based information operation used fake accounts, forged documents, and dozens of online platforms to spread stories.
Report by
Fri, Sep 7, 2018
Breaking Ghouta
This report offers a record of serial violations of international norms and a basis for holding the perpetrators accountable for their atrocities.
Report by
Mon, Feb 13, 2017
Breaking Aleppo
The DFRLab’s report captures the final months of the breaking of Aleppo using innovative open source methodologies and geolocation analysis.
Report by
Tue, Apr 5, 2016
Distract Deceive Destroy
Using digital forensic research and open source investigation methods, Distract Deceive Destroy presents the reality of Russia’s Syrian campaign.
Report by
Thu, Oct 15, 2015
Hiding in plain sight: Putin’s war in Ukraine
Drawing upon open source information, Hiding in Plain Sight: Putin’s War in Ukraine provides irrefutable evidence of direct Russian military involvement in eastern Ukraine.
Report by
Employment opportunities

Looking for a paid summer internship?
We are now recruiting Young Global Professionals for Summer 2021!
Applications close Friday, March 26, 2021.
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