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

Banner image: Incendiary weapons explode above the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine. (Source: @faceofwar/archive)

New Atlanticist

May 20, 2022

Russian War Report: Russian forces use incendiary munitions in Mariupol

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

New photo and video evidence suggests that the Russian military continues to use incendiary and cluster munitions against Ukrainian forces.

Disinformation
Eastern Europe
Using drone footage supplied by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the DFRLab confirmed the incident took place near the Russian town of Belohorivka. (Source: @DefenceU/archive)

New Atlanticist

May 13, 2022

Russian War Report: Drone footage confirms failed Russian military pontoon crossing 

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The DFRLab geolocated drone footage that showed the obliteration of the Russian unit that tried to cross the Siversky Donets in the Donbas region.

Disinformation
Eastern Europe
An explosion outside the US Capitol building

Annual Report

May 10, 2022

Digital Forensic Research Lab

By Atlantic Council

In 2021 the DFRLab built transparency and accountability online and around the world to promote free and open societies.

Bonnie and Clyde’s cameo during Russian Victory Day celebrations. (Source: @JuliaDavisNews/archive)

New Atlanticist

May 10, 2022

Russian War Report: Russia accidentally honors Bonnie and Clyde during Victory Day celebration

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

During a Victory Day celebration, Kremlin TV featured a photo of infamous American criminals Bonnie and Clyde during a slideshow of alleged Soviet WWII veterans.

Civil Society
Disinformation
A Belarusian soldier of the 11th separate mechanized brigade participates in a previous combat exercise on Feb 16, 2022. (Source: EYEPRESS via Reuters Connect)

New Atlanticist

May 6, 2022

Russian War Report: Belarus launches “combat preparedness test”

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Belarusian military began unannounced combat drills, the Kremlin drops the term "denazification," and a Latin American RT influencer resigns.

Belarus
Disinformation
File photo of Russian firefighter. (Source: EMERCOM)

New Atlanticist

May 3, 2022

Russian War Report: New fires and alleged sabotage operations across Russian territory 

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Over the past week, numerous strategic facilities on Russian territory have caught fire drawing accusation of sabotage. 

Disinformation
Human Rights
Plumes of smoke rise after a fire erupts at an oil depot in Bryansk, Russia April 25, 2022 in this still image obtained from social media video. Natalya Krutova via REUTERS

New Atlanticist

Apr 26, 2022

Russian War Report: Geolocating fires in Bryansk

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

On April 25, large fires were reported in Bryansk, Russia, just 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. DFRLab geolocated the fires to confirm an armed forces fuel depot was damaged.

Belarus
Disinformation
Pro-Russia telegram channel circulated what it claimed was proof that Ukraine planned to sell weapons to African countries. (Source: Rezident)

New Atlanticist

Apr 22, 2022

Russian War Report: Forged document claims Ukraine is selling surplus weapons to African countries

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

A Kremlin-tied Telegram channel published a forged document claiming that Ukraine was selling surplus weapons to African countries.

Africa
Disinformation
In this photo illustration the Google Maps logo seen displayed on a smartphone and in the background. (Photo by Rafael Henrique / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)No Use Germany.

New Atlanticist

Apr 20, 2022

Russian War Report: Google refutes misleading claims about blurring Russian military assets

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Thousands of posts online claim Google Maps unblurred satellite images of Russian military installations. Meanwhile, Russia hesitates to ban YouTube and a troll campaign distracts from Bucha.

Disinformation
Internet
Map of the global south in which China uses discourse power.

Report

Apr 20, 2022

China’s discourse power operations in the Global South

By Kenton Thibaut

An overview of China’s discourse power activities in the Global South, including the regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. It outlines the processes through which China leverages its diplomatic, media, and political positions in these regions to gain influence, and assesses the impacts of these activities for democratic resilience worldwide.

Africa
China