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

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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

New Atlanticist

Jan 20, 2023

Russian War Report: Wagner Group fights French ‘zombies’ in cartoon propaganda

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Plus, more on Wagner's power struggles with the Russian defense ministry and Russia's apparent use of incendiary munitions in Kherson.

Belarus Conflict
Igor Turashev, wanted by the FBI for his connection to computer malware that infected “tens of thousands of computers,” reportedly participated in a December 2022 Russian hackathon hosted by the Wagner Group. (Source: FBI.gov)

New Atlanticist

Jan 13, 2023

<strong>Russian War Report: Russian hacker wanted by the FBI reportedly wins Wagner hackathon prize</strong> 

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

In December 2022, Wagner Group organized a hackathon that was won by a man wanted by the FBI for his connection to computer malware.

Conflict Cybersecurity

Fast Thinking

Jan 9, 2023

How Brazil can respond to its democracy stress test

By Atlantic Council

Now that authorities have cleared the protests and launched an investigation into security failures, our experts break down what’s to come.

Brazil Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Jan 9, 2023

Experts react: Brazil has suffered its own attack against democracy. Here’s what the government and its allies can do next.

By Atlantic Council experts

As the tear gas clears, substantial questions remain about the state of Brazil’s democracy and institutions—and what the United States can do in response to the riot.

Brazil Democratic Transitions
Congregants attend an Orthodox Christmas Eve service in a chapel located in a former residential building in the town of Volnovakha, Russian-controlled Donetsk, January 6, 2023. (SOURCE: Reuters/Alexander Ermochenko/TPX)

New Atlanticist

Jan 6, 2023

Russian War Report: Russian military bloggers criticize Putin’s Orthodox Christmas ceasefire announcement

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

In the first days of 2023, Russia shelled civilian infrastructure in Ukraine before Russian President Putin called for a 36 hour ceasefire to observe Orthodox Christmas.

Conflict Disinformation

New Atlanticist

Dec 23, 2022

The Atlantic Council’s 22 greatest hits of 2022

By Frederick Kempe

Our work to help inform policymakers and the public as we craft solutions to the world’s most difficult challenges has never felt more urgent. Here's the best of our efforts from a tumultuous 2022.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment
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