Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) has operationalized the study of disinformation by exposing falsehoods and fake news, documenting human rights abuses, and building digital resilience worldwide.

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

STAY CONNECTED

Receive the latest research, along with discussions about disinformation and tech issues.

ABOUT US

Programs

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.

LATEST RESEARCH

PROJECTS

Upcoming & Recent Events

Employment opportunities

There are no employment opportunities currently open.

From the archives

Experts

Content

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

Tech at the Leading Edge

Mar 3, 2023

How will the US counter cyber threats? Our experts mark up the National Cybersecurity Strategy

By Maia Hamin, Trey Herr, Will Loomis, Emma Schroeder, and Stewart Scott

On March 2, the White House released the 2023 US National Cybersecurity Strategy. Read along with CSI staff, fellows, and experts for commentary on the document and its relationship with larger cybersecurity policy issues.

Cybersecurity Technology & Innovation
DFRLab satellite analysis shows increased Russian aerial activity on the Saki military airbase in western Crimea. (Source: DFRLab via Planet.com)

New Atlanticist

Mar 3, 2023

Russian War Report: DFRLab confirms increased Russian air force activity as Kremlin strives to achieve air dominance

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Russia intensified its air power in recent weeks across airfields in Crimea and Rostov Oblast. Elsewhere, Russia continues to pressure Bahkmut.

Africa Conflict

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Mar 1, 2023

Makings of the Market: Seven perspectives on offensive cyber capability proliferation

By Jen Roberts and Emma Schroeder

The marketplace for offensive cyber capabilities continues to grow globally. Their proliferation poses an expanding set of risks to national security and human rights, these capabilities also have legitimate use in state security and defense. To dive deeper on this topic, we asked seven experts to offer their perspectives.

Cybersecurity
Russian bombardment of telecommunications antennas in Kiev

Report

Feb 27, 2023

A parallel terrain: Public-private defense of the Ukrainian information environment

By Emma Schroeder with Sean Dack

The report analyzes Russia’s continuous assaults against the Ukrainian information environment, and examines how Russian offensives and Ukrainian defense both move through this largely privately owned and operated environment. The report highlights key questions that must emerge around the growing role that private companies play in conflict.

Conflict Cybersecurity