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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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.

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From the archives

Experts

Content

Ukrainian soldier with his weapon in a wooden cottage near the Donbas frontlines, Donetsk. (Source: Celestino Arce/NurPhoto via Reuters Connect)

New Atlanticist

Dec 16, 2022

Russian War Report: Fierce fighting in Donetsk despite the onset of winter

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

While many had hoped Winter would slow the fighting in Ukraine, the conflict has continued and, in some cases including in Donetsk, intensified.

Conflict
Drones

AC Selects

Dec 13, 2022

AC Selects: Conference Highlights: Central Europe Week & 360/StratCom

Catch highlights from the 2022 Central Europe Week on the EU’s response to the ongoing war in Ukraine from European Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová and European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson. Meanwhile, the DFRLab hosted their annual government-to-government forum, 360/StratCom, featuring cyber and technology strategist and policy leader Camille Stewart Gloster. Related events

Europe & Eurasia
Geopolitics & Energy Security

Transcript

Dec 13, 2022

Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison and US Deputy National Security Advisor Anne Neuberger on the importance of the Freedom Online Coalition

By Atlantic Council

Canada's David Morrison discusses the end of Canada's chairmanship of the alliance for democratic tech, while the United States' Anne Neuberger outlines the top priorities ahead.

Technology & Innovation

New Atlanticist

Dec 9, 2022

Russian War Report: Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels promote news of TV Rain losing broadcasting license in Latvia

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Latvian National Electronic Media Council revoked the broadcasting license of TV Rain, an independent Russian television channel, citing threats to Latvian national security.

Conflict
Disinformation

360/StratCom

Dec 8, 2022

360/StratCom: How policymakers can set a democratic tech agenda for the interconnected world

By Layla Mashkoor

The DFRLab assembled policymakers and civil-society leaders together to drive forward a democratic tech agenda that is rights-respecting and inclusive.  

Cybersecurity
Disinformation

Press Release

Dec 8, 2022

FOR RELEASE: DFRLab Democracy + Tech Initiative launches Task Force for a Trustworthy Future Web

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) is proud to announce the launch of its new Task Force for a Trustworthy Future Web.

Internet
Technology & Innovation

360/StratCom

Dec 8, 2022

Holes in the great fire wall: Dissent and protests in China

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

At 360/StratCom, the DFRLab hosted a panel of experts on China’s Communist Party, surveillance architecture, protest, and the information environment for a conversation on the implications of recent events for China.

China
Coronavirus

360/StratCom

Dec 8, 2022

The call for coordinated action for a free, open, and interoperable internet

By Erika Hsu

The DFRLab, as part of its annual 360/StratCom event, convened a discussion about the FOC, including the need to coordinate action to protect a free, open, secure, and interoperable internet.

Cybersecurity
Disinformation

360/StratCom

Dec 7, 2022

The White House’s new deputy cyber director: Tech’s challenges are society’s challenges

By Nick Fouriezos

Camille Stewart Gloster, the inaugural deputy national cyber director for technology and ecosystem security, spoke at the DFRLab's 360/StratCom about her newly created office's ambitious agenda to address a wide scope of cyber challenges.

Cybersecurity
Technology & Innovation

Transcript

Dec 7, 2022

Camille Stewart breaks down the Office of the National Cyber Director’s whole-of-society strategy

By Atlantic Council

Camille Stewart Gloster, the inaugural deputy national cyber director for technology & ecosystem, is defining the role that the United States' new Office of the National Cyber Director can play.

Technology & Innovation