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

2018 Elections in Latin America

May 27, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Russian bots in Mexico?

By Ben Nimmo

In the buildup to Mexico’s presidential election on July 1, reports have been circulating of “Russian bots” amplifying political messaging in Mexico.

Disinformation Elections

Article

May 26, 2018

#PutinAtWar: Background on Central Person in MH17 Downing

By Michael Sheldon

The findings of the Bellingcat investigation complement the work of the JIT in exposing the persons responsible for the MH17 downing.

Central Europe Disinformation

Article

May 17, 2018

Why We’re Partnering With Facebook on Election Integrity

By Graham Brookie

The DFRLab is partnering with Facebook to expand #ElectionWatch to identify, expose, and explain disinformation during elections around the world.

Disinformation English

Press Release

May 17, 2018

Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab Partners with Facebook to Combat Disinformation in Democratic Elections

By Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council’s DFRLab announced a partnership with Facebook to independently monitor disinformation and other vulnerabilities in elections globally.

Disinformation Elections

Article

Mar 27, 2018

#TrollTracker: Stale Narratives In Response to Expelled Diplomats

By Donara Barojan

After expulsion of diplomats, pro-Kremlin trolls intensified their social media campaign to vilify the Skripal investigation and deny Russian involvement.

Disinformation English

Article

Mar 6, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Echo Campaigns and Electoral Results in Italy

By Anna Pellegatta

Prior to nationwide elections on March 4, the DFRLab published analysis outlining the complex relations between Italian political parties and the Kremlin.

Disinformation Elections

Article

Mar 1, 2018

#ElectionWatch: A Guide to Italian Elections

By Lauren Speranza and Graham Brookie

Italy’s notoriously complicated electoral system has long made the country’s elections interesting to watch, but several factors add chaos this year.

Disinformation Elections

In the News

Feb 20, 2018

Graham Brookie Quoted in Reuters on U.S. Cyber Task Force

By Atlantic Council

Graham Brookie, Director of the DFRLab, speaks to Reuters about Attorney General Sessions forming a U.S. cyber task force for election security.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

Press Release

Feb 14, 2018

Richard Stengel named Distinguished Fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab

By Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council today announced Richard Stengel as a Distinguished Fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (@DFRLab).

Disinformation English

Article

Jan 28, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Protests Across Russia

By Ben Nimmo, Lukas Andriukaitis, and Nika Aleksejeva

On January 28, supporters of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny took to the streets to call for a boycott of presidential elections.

Disinformation Elections