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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The Democracy + Tech Initiative 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

People hold a banner as they attend the Immortal Regiment march on Victory Day in Moscow, May 9, 2022. (Source: Reuters/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo)

New Atlanticist

Apr 21, 2023

Russian War Report: Russia cancels Victory Day parades and moves “Immortal Regiment” marches online

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Russia continues ramping up its attacks in eastern Ukraine while canceling its Victory Day parade in areas bordering Russian-annexed Ukrainian territory.

Conflict
Disinformation

Issue Brief

Apr 19, 2023

Critical infrastructure cybersecurity prioritization: A cross-sector methodology for ranking operational technology cyber scenarios and critical entities

By Danielle Jablanski

As critical infrastructure becomes increasingly targeted by malicious adversaries, how can we effectively prioritize criticality?

Cybersecurity
A Ukrainian artillery unit operates from muddy trenches near the frontline during heavy fighting close to Bakhmut, Ukraine, April 13, 2023. (Source: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach)

New Atlanticist

Apr 14, 2023

Russian War Report: Russian army presses on in Bakhmut despite losses

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Bakhmut remains a major conflict zone with dozens of attacks on Ukrainian forces there, despite Russian forces sustaining heavy losses.

Conflict
Cybersecurity
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko attend a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State of Russia and Belarus at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia April 6, 2023. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

New Atlanticist

Apr 7, 2023

Russian War Report: Belarus accuses Ukraine of plotting terrorist attack

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Belarus' KGB accused Ukraine of plotting an attack on a Russian consulate in the Belarusian city of Grodno. Belarus also confirmed it would accept Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

Belarus
Conflict

New Atlanticist

Mar 31, 2023

Russian War Report: A new private military company emerges in Crimea

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Plus, Russia and its political allies in Moldova are inflaming the information space around Transnistria.

Conflict
Disinformation

New Atlanticist

Mar 29, 2023

What to expect from the world’s democratic tech alliance as the Summit for Democracy unfolds

By Katherine Golden

Ahead of the Biden administration’s second Summit for Democracy, stakeholders from the Freedom Online Coalition gave a sneak peek at what to expect on the global effort to protect online rights and freedoms.

Cybersecurity
Democratic Transitions

Transcript

Mar 28, 2023

Wendy Sherman on the United States’ priorities as it takes the helm of the Freedom Online Coalition

By Atlantic Council

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman outlined the priorities for the world's democratic tech alliance, from protecting fundamental freedoms online to building resilience against digital authoritarianism.

Cybersecurity
Disinformation
Footage published by RIA Novosti shows Vladmir Putin’s entourage reacting after a woman reportedly yelled “This all is not true! It’s all for a show!” The clip was later edited out by the Kremlin.

New Atlanticist

Mar 24, 2023

Russian War Report: Kremlin edits footage of Mariupol visit to remove women shouting at Putin

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

After Putin was yelled at in Mariupol, the Kremlin cut the exchange from their official video. RIA Novosti published the whole interaction.

Conflict
Disinformation
A Ukrainian soldier of the Paratroopers' of 80th brigade listens to artillery fire a frontline position near Bakhmut, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine March 16, 2023. REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura

New Atlanticist

Mar 17, 2023

Russian War Report: DFRLab confirms aerial strikes on industrial plants north of Bakhmut

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

As Russian forces continue their offensive on Bakhmut, the DFRLab examined satellite imagery to reveal the potential of missile attacks.

Central Europe
Conflict
Ukrainian service members from a battalion, named of nom-de-guerre of their commander 'Da Vinci', Hero of Ukraine, who was killed in a fight against Russian troops, fire a howitzer M119 at a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the city of Bakhmut, Ukraine March 10, 2023. REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak bakhmut

New Atlanticist

Mar 10, 2023

Russian War Report: Russian army advances toward Bakhmut, but its offensive capabilities remain unclear

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Russian army advances toward Bakhmut while a large-scale russian air attack targets civilian infrastructure.

Conflict
Disinformation