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

Feb 11, 2022

Russian Hybrid Threats Report: Belarus threatens to arm firefighters as military exercises kick off

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab tracks the latest Russian troop movements and Kremlin-pushed narratives around NATO, Germany, and more.

Belarus
Conflict

New Atlanticist

Feb 8, 2022

Russian Hybrid Threats Report: New evidence of accelerated military build-up near Ukraine

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Council’s open-source researchers reveal the latest Russian troop, aircraft, and weapons movements around Ukraine, along with new Kremlin disinformation efforts. 

Belarus
Russia

New Atlanticist

Feb 4, 2022

Russian Hybrid Threats Report: Missile battalion confirmed in Belarus 

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab tracks the latest Russian military movements and other developments in the Kremlin's hybrid war against Ukraine.

New Atlanticist

Feb 1, 2022

Russian Hybrid Threats Report: Will Moscow provide weapons and passports to breakaway Ukrainian regions?

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab is tracking the latest on Russia moving blood and food supplies to the front, narratives in Kremlin-tied media, and more.

Belarus
Conflict

New Atlanticist

Jan 28, 2022

Russian Hybrid Threats Report: Kremlin pushes claims about Ukrainian offensive, ‘junk’ weapons from West

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab is tracking the latest from Russian troop movements to social media conspiracy theories to Duma debates.

Belarus
Conflict

New Atlanticist

Jan 25, 2022

Russian Hybrid Threats Report: A push to recognize Ukrainian regions as independent states

By the Digital Forensic Research Lab

Amid a legislative push to recognize the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states, Russia is spinning narratives of NATO aggression and continuing to mass troops and materiel near Ukraine.

Belarus
Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Jan 21, 2022

Russian Hybrid Threats Report: Troops arrive in Belarus as propaganda narratives heat up

By the Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Digital Forensic Research Lab’s global team presents the first installment of the Russian Hybrid Threats Report.

Conflict
Crisis Management

In the News

Jan 14, 2022

Dagres’ Atlantic Council report on Iranian social media mentioned in Politico’s Morning Tech newsletter

By Atlantic Council

Digital Policy
Media

In the News

Jan 13, 2022

Dagres quoted in Washington Post on internet freedom in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights
Internet

Report

Jan 13, 2022

Iranians on #SocialMedia

By Holly Dagres

This report by the Future of Iran Initiative and Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) explores the social media habits of Iranian netizens and how the Islamic Republic is repressing the online space.

Economic Sanctions
Human Rights