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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ABOUT US

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

In the News

Dec 17, 2018

Graham Brookie Quoted in The Washington Post on Russian Disinformation Campaign’s Targeting of Mueller

By Atlantic Council

Graham Brookie was quoted in The Washington Post about a Russian disinformation campaign that targeted Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

Disinformation English

In the News

Dec 17, 2018

Ben Nimmo Quoted in Politico Europe on Britain Grappling with Dark Web

By Atlantic Council

Ben Nimmmo spoke to Politico Europe about the internationalization of nationalism on the dark web and how the United Kingdom is responding.

English Internet

Article

Nov 27, 2018

#MinskMonitor: Russian Escalation in Kerch

By Michael Sheldon

Russian escalation at the Kerch Strait ended in cannon fire and the capture of three Ukrainian vessels, with at least six Ukrainian sailors wounded.

Disinformation English

Article

Nov 27, 2018

#MinskMonitor: Russia’s Great British Fake Off

By Aric Toler

Officials of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) claimed that “a group of military specialists from Great Britain” arrived in Bakhmut.

Disinformation English

In the News

Nov 25, 2018

Ben Nimmo Quoted in The Guardian on Nigel Farage

By Atlantic Council

Ben Nimmo speaks to The Guardian about Nigel Farage and his value to Russian propaganda online.

Disinformation English

In the News

Nov 7, 2018

Graham Brookie Quoted in Axios on Security Breaches in Midterms

By Atlantic Council

Graham Brookie speaks to Axios about disinformation campaigns surrounding 2018 midterm elections in the United States.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Nov 6, 2018

Graham Brookie Quoted in Washington Post on Americans Peddling Disinformation Around Midterm Elections

By Atlantic Council

Graham Brookie spoke to the Washington Post on the spread of disinformation by Americans in advance of the United States midterm elections.

Disinformation Elections

In the News

Nov 6, 2018

Graham Brookie Quoted in Reuters on Russia’s Influence Operations in US Midterm Elections

By Atlantic Council

Graham Brookie spoke to Reuters on disinformation campaigns operating in advance of the midterm elections in the United States.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Nov 5, 2018

Ben Nimmo Quoted in Politico on Misinformation Around US Midterm Elections

By Atlantic Council

Ben Nimmo spoke to Politico about the spread of disinformation campaigns in advance of the 2018 midterm elections in the United States.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Nov 2, 2018

Ben Nimmo Quoted in the Washington Post on Russian Interference in 2018 Midterms

By Atlantic Council

Ben Nimmo spoke to the Washington Post about potential foreign interference in the 2018 midterm elections in the United States.

Cybersecurity Disinformation