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

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jun 30, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Hashtags For Cash In Mexico

By Ben Nimmo

Before Mexico’s presidential election, a network of Twitter accounts has been pushing partisan messages apparently paid for by local political groups.

Disinformation Elections

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jun 28, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Trending Beyond Borders in Mexico

By Ben Nimmo, Donara Barojan, Jose Luis Peñarredonda, and Kanishk Karan

Ahead of Mexico’s presidential election on July 1, a network of Facebook pages and Twitter accounts has been promoting partisan political messages, most of them attacking front-runner Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Disinformation Elections
TRAF5377 preview

Flagship Event

Jun 23, 2018

Secretary Albright at 360/OS Summit: “Democracy’s enemies have become adept at polluting social media platforms with rumors, disinformation, and anti-democratic propaganda”

By Atlantic Council

Secretary Madeleine K. Albright, 64th US Secretary of State, delivered remarks at the DFRLab's 360/OS Summit in Berlin, Germany on June 23, 2018.

Disinformation English

Press Release

Jun 22, 2018

Atlantic Council Names Graham Brookie Director of Digital Forensic Research Lab

By Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council named Graham Brookie as the new Director for its Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab).

Disinformation English

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jun 20, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Bots and Boosters in Mexico

By Ben Nimmo and Donara Barojan

Mexican political party the New Alliance (Nueva Alianza, or PANAL) has been benefiting from significant online amplification by a cluster of activists and probable Twitter bots, in the countdown to the country’s July 1 election.

Disinformation Elections

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jun 17, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Eyes on Colombia from Venezuela

By Jose Luis Peñarredonda

The Colombian elections have spurred significant interest in Venezuela, as evidenced by the social media activity of accounts based in the country or managed by Venezuelans.

Colombia Disinformation

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jun 13, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Bees Cause Buzz in Colombia

By Jose Luis Peñarredonda

A week before the election, people attending a campaign rally for Colombian presidential candidate Iván Duque were attacked by a swarm bees.

Colombia Disinformation

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jun 7, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Down Ballot Bots in Mexico

By Donara Barojan

Researchers have observed the use of bots for the purpose of promoting candidates, campaign materials, and opposition research for Mexico's election.

Disinformation Elections

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jun 7, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Fraud Claims in Colombia

By Jose Luis Peñarredonda

After the first round in Colombia’s presidential election, citizens shared claims on social media of ballot tampering in favor of candidate Iván Duque.

Colombia Disinformation

New Atlanticist

May 29, 2018

#PutinAtWar: Dismissing MH17

By Ben Nimmo

On May 24, 2018, a Dutch-led international investigation said that the weapon which downed Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in July 2014 had been provided by a Russian military unit. Kremlin and pro-Kremlin outlets were quick to launch a counter-offensive, denying any Russian involvement, and attacking the investigators and their methods.

Disinformation Russia