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

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Dec 7, 2022

Can the Freedom Online Coalition live up to its potential?

By Atlantic Council

The Freedom Online Coalition has operated with varied success. As the US prepares to take over as chair of the body, civil society leaders who helped launch and shape the Coalition discuss how it can best be leveraged to advance a proactively democratic digital world.

Technology & Innovation

Report

Dec 6, 2022

An introduction to the Freedom Online Coalition

By Rose Jackson, Leah Fiddler, Jacqueline Malaret

The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) is comprised of thirty-four member countries committed to advancing Internet freedom and human rights online.

Digital Policy
International Organizations
Original photo of the Polish PM, which was digitally altered and amplified on Telegram. (Source: @PremierRP/archive)

New Atlanticist

Dec 2, 2022

Russian War Report: Russian Telegram channel spreads digitally modified photo of Poland’s prime minister

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Russian Telegram channels disseminated a manipulated photo showing Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a monument during his visit to Ukraine.

Conflict
Disinformation
Anti-LGBTQ counter-protesters stomp on a rainbow flag during a protest by gay rights activists in central Moscow, June 11, 2013. (Source: Reuters/Maxim Shemetov)

New Atlanticist

Nov 18, 2022

Russian War Report: Russia defends ‘traditional values,’ criminalizes LGBTQ ‘propaganda’

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

After two Polish citzens were killed by a missile, Poland and NATO both say the hit was not a Russian attack. Meanwhile, Putin enacts an anti-LGBTQ ord

Central Europe
Civil Society
Ukrainians people living in Krakow and their supporters are seen during the Solidarity With Ukraine protest in Krakow's Main Square, on the 232nd day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

New Atlanticist

Nov 11, 2022

Russian War Report: Ukrainians celebrate in Kherson as Russia evacuates the city

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

As Russian forces retreat from Kherson, Ukrainians celebrate online and in-person. While the overall status of the withdrawal remains in flux, today’s footage shows Russia is no longer in control of the central parts of Kherson. 

Conflict
Disinformation
Protesters hold up signs as they take part in the 'Crisis Strike', a demonstration against the passivity of the Polish government in the face of the challenges related to the war in neighbouring Ukraine, the energy crisis and the climate crisis in Warsaw, Poland on 28 October, 2022. Several hundred people including members of the Agro Unia farmer's union and Greenpeace marched throuhg the city center. (Photo by Jaap Arriens / Sipa USA)No Use Germany.

New Atlanticist

Nov 4, 2022

Russian War Report: Kremlin-controlled outlet rehashes narrative that Poland plans to annex western Ukraine 

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Once again, Kremlin media alleged that Poland was preparing to annex western Ukraine. In April, the site responsible for the reporting was blocked in Poland.

Northern Europe
Poland
Civilians evacuated from the Russian-controlled city of Kherson walk from a ferry to board a bus heading to Crimea, in the Russian-controlled town of Oleshky, Ukraine, October 23, 2022. (Source: REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko)

New Atlanticist

Oct 28, 2022

Russian War Report: Heavy fighting expected in Kherson as Prigozhin aims to boost Wagner operations

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

As Russian forces move ammunition and equipment toward Kherson, heavy fighting is expected in the city as Ukrainian forces fight to liberate the region.

Belarus
Conflict

The 5×5

Oct 26, 2022

The 5×5—Non-state armed groups in cyber conflict

By Simon Handler

Five experts from various backgrounds assess the emerging threats posed by non-state armed groups in cyber conflict.

Conflict
Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Oct 21, 2022

Russian War Report: Wagner sends vehicles to Kherson while Iran increases military support

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Even after Putin declared martial law in the unlawfully "annexed" portions of Eastern Ukraine, Russia continues to ratchet up its offense with Iran and Belarus' backing.

Belarus
Conflict

Fast Thinking

Oct 16, 2022

Reading between the lines of Xi’s party congress speech

By Atlantic Council

How should the world interpret his rhetoric about Taiwan? What was conspicuously absent from the speech? Our experts weigh in.

China
Crisis Management