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

Democracy + Tech Initiative

DTI 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

Jan 28, 2025

What DeepSeek’s breakthrough says (and doesn’t say) about the ‘AI race’ with China

By Kenton Thibaut

DeepSeek’s achievement has not exactly undermined the United States’ export control strategy, but it does bring up important questions about the broader US strategy on AI.

Artificial Intelligence China

Fast Thinking

Jan 10, 2025

What the world can do about Maduro

By Atlantic Council experts

As the Venezuelan autocrat is inaugurated for a third term as president, our experts analyze what the United States, the region, and the opposition can do.

Democratic Transitions Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Jan 9, 2025

Your expert guide to the debate over banning TikTok 

By Atlantic Council experts

As the US Supreme Court takes up the case, our experts outline the competing arguments over whether the US should ban TikTok on national security grounds.

China Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

Jan 3, 2025

The Atlantic Council’s greatest hits of 2024

By Frederick Kempe

These articles, reports, initiatives, and convenings represent the best of the Atlantic Council’s work in 2024 to shape the global future together with allies and partners.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2024

Donald Trump just won the presidency. Our experts answer the big questions about what that means for America’s role in the world.

By Atlantic Council experts

When Trump returns to the presidency on January 20 next year, a number of global challenges will be awaiting him. Our experts outline what to expect.

Conflict Economy & Business

Fast Thinking

Nov 5, 2024

What to know about foreign meddling in the US election

By Atlantic Council

Our experts explain the foreign malign interference operations targeting the 2024 US elections and how they might continue after Election Day.

China Cybersecurity

Announcements

Oct 24, 2024

Statement on the home raids of two Atlantic Council staff in Georgia

From Graham Brookie, the Atlantic Council’s vice president for technology programs and strategy, as well as the senior director of the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab): On the morning of October 24, officials from the Investigative Service of Georgia’s Ministry of Finance raided the homes of two staff members of the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic […]

The Caucasus

New Atlanticist

Oct 23, 2024

Russia is directly and indirectly meddling in Georgia’s upcoming election

By Eto Buziashvili

In parliamentary elections on October 26, Georgians will face a choice between a pro-Western political opposition and the Kremlin-friendly ruling party.

Eastern Europe Elections

New Atlanticist

Oct 21, 2024

Five questions (and expert answers) about Moldova’s elections

By Atlantic Council experts

Moldova narrowly voted to add the goal of EU membership to its constitution, and pro-Western President Maia Sandu advanced to a runoff. Our experts interpret the results and preview what's coming next.

Disinformation Elections

New Atlanticist

Oct 18, 2024

What to know about Russian malign influence in Moldova’s upcoming election

By Victoria Olari

The October 20 elections are taking place in an environment clouded by what could be the largest case of electoral bribery in Moldova’s history.

Corruption Disinformation

Events