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DFRLab

@dfrlab.bsky.social
22K followers 139 following 615 posts

The Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab. Cultivating a global network of digital forensic analysts (#DigitalSherlocks) to combat disinformation.

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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🇪🇺🇺🇸 What’s next for the transatlantic tech relationship? Join us in Brussels on Oct 8 for a conversation on digital sovereignty, security, competitiveness, and the future of EU-US tech cooperation. Register to join us in person: bit.ly/4hRsSZo
atlanticcouncil.org
Transatlantic digital relations: Sovereignty, security, and competitiveness
Senior European and American policymakers and experts assess how sovereignty, security and competitiveness are reshaping the digital transatlantic relationship.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Russia’s first federal AI law is now in effect... and Moscow wants to export its vision of “sovereign AI” abroad. But what kind of sovereignty will its customers actually get? The DFRLab's @buziashvili.bsky.social examines Russia’s emerging AI strategy: bit.ly/4ydSTaF
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Russia wants to sell ‘sovereign AI’ abroad. Here’s what it’s really selling.
Russia’s new AI law puts domestic models under state control. Moscow now wants to sell the same model abroad.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
The transatlantic digital relationship faces a growing trust deficit 🇪🇺🇺🇸 As the EU pursues digital sovereignty and the US prioritizes tech dominance, @markscott.bsky.social examines what the divide means for digital policy. bit.ly/4y5j0kd
bit.ly
Sovereignty without borders: Decoding the transatlantic digital relationship at a time of change
An examination of the current EU–US trust deficit and its implications for digital policymaking.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Trustworthy AI won't be built by principles alone. It requires institutions that can test systems, share knowledge, coordinate responses, and build confidence across borders. That's the next challenge for AI governance. Read more: bit.ly/3TkQyvx
bit.ly
Want AI you can trust? Start by building the right institutions.
Strengthening regional capacity on AI trust and safety could ultimately prove more valuable than establishing isolated national institutions.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
📅 TODAY | 11:30 AM ET Who will finance the future of global connectivity? 🛜 Join us for a discussion with @kentonthibaut.bsky.social and Jochai Ben-Avie on the financing models, partnerships, and policies that will shape the next generation of digital infrastructure. 🔗 bit.ly/4v759c4
bit.ly
Financing the future of connectivity
This high-level discussion explores how the United States and its allies can finance global digital infrastructure to compete with China and close the digital divide.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
A new investigation from the DFRLab & @civilnet.bsky.social finds that Evrazia, a Russian org sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK, has been replicating its Moldovan election interference model in the lead up to Armenia's June 7 elections bit.ly/4abdjYk
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From Chisinau to Yerevan: How Russia's Evrazia brought its Moldova playbook to Armenia
Russia is using sanctioned NGOs to influence elections and undermine pro-Western governments
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
If you attended @stratcomcoe.bsky.social's #RigaStratComDialogue this week, there's a good chance you ran into a DFRLaber. From disrupting information threats to exploring AI’s impact on strategic communications, our team was all over the agenda. Check out some of our fav memories 👇
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
🚨DEADLINE EXTENDED 🚨 Good news: There's more time to apply to our 2026 cohort! We've extended the Digital Sherlocks deadline to 21 April @ 23:59 ET. Apply now: bit.ly/47JLw02
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
🚨DEADLINE EXTENDED 🚨 Good news: There's more time to apply to our 2026 cohort! We've extended the Digital Sherlocks deadline to 21 April @ 23:59 ET. Apply now: bit.ly/47JLw02
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
If you’re working in journalism, research, or civil society and trying to make sense of what’s happening online...Digital Sherlocks is for you. Applications for our 2026 cohort close soon. Apply now: bit.ly/47JLw02
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
#ICYMI: Applications are due April 14th @ 23:59 ET 🚨 🔗 bit.ly/47JLw02
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Layla Mashkoor @laylam.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Applications are now open for @dfrlab.bsky.social's Digital Sherlocks 2026 program🕵️‍♀️ Join a global cohort learning how to investigate online information, track influence operations, and strengthen information integrity. 🗓 Apply by April 14 🔗 form.jotform.com/260633500818...
form.jotform.com
2026 Digital Sherlocks Application
Please click the link to complete this form.
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Sayyara Mammadova @sayyara.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
1/ I have exciting news: @dfrlab.bsky.social ‘s Digital Sherlocks is back! 🎉 This one is personal — as a #DigitalSherlocks alumna myself, managing and relaunching the program is a special moment. For the first time, we are also partnering with @penn-mediated.bsky.social !
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Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) @jhrnews.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
1/5 BERLIN: On Apr 1, JHR hosted an urgent conversation on #transnationalrepression w the Canadian Embassy in Germany & @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social's @dfrlab.bsky.social. ft. a powerhouse panel that has endured the lived reality of TNR + bravely continues to speak truth to power. 👇 📸: Jens Schicke
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Applications are now open for Digital Sherlocks 2026 🕵️‍♀️ Join a global cohort learning how to investigate online information, track influence operations, and strengthen information integrity. 🗓 Apply by April 14 🔗 bit.ly/47JLw02
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No Suma Cero @nosumacero.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Read the report at @dfrlab.bsky.social. Share it with policymakers, human rights advocates, and anyone working on Venezuela's transition. dfrlab.org/wp-content/u...
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No Suma Cero @nosumacero.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Venezuela's surveillance state did not fall with Maduro. The system is still running under Delcy Rodríguez. A joint research between @conexionsegura.bsky.social and the @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social's Democracy + Tech Initiative documents the repressive infrastructure. dfrlab.org/2026/03/26/w...
dfrlab.org
Watch the Watchers: Surveillance technologies for political control in Venezuela
Despite changes in leadership, Venezuela's extensive surveillance infrastructure remains fully operational.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Today @ 10AM ET 🚀 Tune in as @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social's Democracy + Tech Initiative & @conexionsegura.bsky.social launch the most comprehensive analysis to date of Venezuela’s massive surveillance system 🇻🇪 Register: t.co/l2QJPjyzaK
t.co
https://bit.ly/4uQGrNi
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Venezuela’s surveillance system spans AI CCTV, telecom interception, and more 🇻🇪 📞 Join us March 26 for the launch of "Watch the Watchers" where experts will discuss what this means for Venezuela's political future. Register: bit.ly/4uQGrNi
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Still watching: How Venezuela deploys surveillance to maintain political control
The Atlantic Council's Democracy + Tech Initiative and Conexión Segura y Libre present the most comprehensive analysis to date of Venezuela's massive surveillance system, which is still operational af...
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Roberta Braga @bragaroberta.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
Apply by March 1 for the Latinos, Media, and Democracy Program, in collaboration with the @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social @dfrlab.bsky.social ddia.org/en/LMDP-2026
ddia.org
Latinos, Media, and Democracy Program (LMDP) 2026 - The AI Edition
DDIA’s Latinos, Media, and Democracy Program (LMDP) 2026 - The AI Edition is an 8-week capacity-building program designed to support Latino journalists, content creators, media professionals, and civi...
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Atlantic Council @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
A new entity controlling TikTok in the US is being sold as a step toward addressing foreign influence and data security concerns, writes Kenton Thibaut. But China’s influence campaigns and access to data on Americans do not rely on TikTok.
atlanticcouncil.org
TikTok’s new ownership structure doesn’t solve security concerns for Americans
The deal does little to address the systemic challenges of information manipulation, foreign influence, and data exploitation on the platform.
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Centre for Media, Technology & Democracy @mediatechdemocracy.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Charlie Kirk's shooting drove widespread awareness, transforming him into a household name in Canada. As polarized online discussions spread, the CDMRN launched a joint-investigation with MEO, @disinfowatch.bsky.social, @dfrlab.bsky.social & @pearl-uoft.bsky.social 🧵 #cdnpoli
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Layla Mashkoor @laylam.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
I discussed Iran’s internet blackout with the New York Times. The information void is actively being filled with influence ops from Iran’s adversaries and allies. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/16/b... @dfrlab.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Battles Over Truth Rage Online Amid Iran’s Internet Blackout
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
@nosumacero.bsky.social joins Osavul for a conversation about Venezuela's complex information environment, unpacking the intricate relationship between power, narratives, and technology in Venezuela's ongoing struggle for freedom and democracy 🇻🇪 🎥 bit.ly/4jQLWqf
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YouTube
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
🚨 How do we move beyond tracking individual incidents to understanding how influence actually works? A new report w/ @disinfo.eu @checkfirst.network @viginum.bsky.social, Cassini, @diplo.de @eudiplomacy.bsky.social offers a framework to analyze #FIMI at the operational level. 🔗 bit.ly/49UtAkx
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Layla Mashkoor @laylam.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Spoke to the Washington Post for this article about @dfrlab.bsky.social’s research into the online chaos that followed Maduro’s capture.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
🤖🇻🇪 Following #MadurosCapture, Chinese state-linked actors pushed a deliberate narrative online: the US is an destabilizing hegemon while Beijing is a defender of international law. @kentonthibaut.bsky.social unpacks the digital narrative battle fueled by memes & AI: bit.ly/49xWLIZ
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AI, memes, and hashtags: How China is battling the US online over Venezuela
Chinese state media and inauthentic accounts promoted narratives of US decline.
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The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 11/01/2026
Russia and China have launched influence operations to quickly capitalize on controversy — this time surrounding the U.S. operation to seize the Venezuelan president — by spreading conspiracy theories and disingenuous content, researchers said.
washingtonpost.com
How China and Russia are using Maduro’s capture to sway U.S. discourse
Chinese and Russian influence operations have sought to capitalize on the U.S. operation in Venezuela by spreading conspiracy theories, confusion and inflammatory claims, researchers say.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
#ICYMI: @washingtonpost.com reports on how foreign actors reframed the Venezuela operation globally, drawing on new insights from DFRLab's @laylam.bsky.social @buziashvili.bsky.social @kentonthibaut.bsky.social & @nosumacero.bsky.social 🇻🇪
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Russia’s influence networks didn’t wait. Within hours of #NicolásMadurosCapture, pro-Kremlin actors launched coordinated narratives aimed at diluting US credibility online. 🔎 Analysis from @buziashvili.bsky.social tracks how it unfolded: bit.ly/4aOM5YI
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No Suma Cero @nosumacero.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Delcy Rodríguez's role as Venezuela's acting president is an impossible balancing act: satisfy Trump's demands, maintain support from the Chavista coalition, and keep alliances with China, Cuba, Iran, and Russia. www.atlanticcouncil.org/dispatches/d... @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social
atlanticcouncil.org
Delcy Rodríguez’s untenable balancing act
Venezuela’s new acting president must choose between accommodating the Trump administration’s demands and preserving unity among the regime’s Chavista base.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
🇻🇪 A new @washingtonpost.com exclusive spotlights how Russia & China launched coordinated influence campaigns after #NicolásMadurosCapture, drawing on DFRLab insight from @nosumacero.bsky.social @buziashvili.bsky.social @kentonthibaut.bsky.social & @laylam.bsky.social: wapo.st/4qch5qj
wapo.st
How China and Russia are using Maduro’s capture to sway U.S. discourse
Chinese and Russian influence operations have sought to capitalize on the U.S. operation in Venezuela by spreading conspiracy theories, confusion and inflammatory claims, researchers say.
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Andy Carvin @acarv.in · 06/01/2026
My team at the @dfrlab.bsky.social put this together after the insurrection, analyzing all the #stopthesteal data we had been tracking since the previous September.
justsecurity.org
#StopTheSteal: Timeline of Social Media and Extremist Activities Leading to 1/6 Insurrection
How a convergence of disinformation, domestic extremists and anti-democracy movements reached a horrifying climax at the U.S. Capitol.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
2026 is just getting started, but the information threats we’re facing didn’t begin this year. Before looking ahead, here’s what the DFRLab learned in 2025...and why those lessons matter now: bit.ly/4pvwTmX
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
What comes after #Maduro? 🇻🇪 Join the @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social on Jan 6 for expert insights on Venezuela’s path forward featuring @nosumacero.bsky.social, Senior Research Fellow at the DFRLab's Democracy+Tech Initiative. Register now: bit.ly/4jrcjmp
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After Maduro: A new dawn for Venezuela
Regional experts unpack the implications of the US military operation to remove Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro from power on January 3.
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Ruslan Trad @ruslantrad.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
My colleagues at the @dfrlab.bsky.social look at how inauthentic social media activity exploits political and security events to seed division between Poland and Ukraine:
dfrlab.org
How social media manipulation fuels anti-Ukraine sentiment in Poland
How inauthentic social media activity exploits political and security events to seed division between Poland and Ukraine.
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Layla Mashkoor @laylam.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
The DFRLab has long tracked the digital means that aided in Venezuela's descent into autocracy. As Venezuela enters a pivotal moment, it is worth revisiting how Maduro weaponized digital tools. See 2024 report: "Venezuela: A Playbook for Digital Repression” www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-res...
atlanticcouncil.org
How Venezuela became a model for digital authoritarianism
This report dives deep into the state of media in Venezuela and the role it played in the country's slide toward authoritarianism.
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Layla Mashkoor @laylam.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
I’ll be moderating this discussion on Wednesday on lessons from Moldova’s elections. Anyone who cares about information or election integrity should be closing watching what is unfolding in Moldova.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Join us today @ 8:30 AM ET | 2:30 PM CET for key lessons from Moldova’s 2025 elections w/ DFRLab's @buziashvili.bsky.social @victoriaolari.bsky.social & @laylam.bsky.social bit.ly/49cY1lG
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Lessons on countering foreign manipulation from Moldova’s 2025 elections
The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab discusses lessons learned from safeguarding the 2025 elections in Moldova against foreign information manipulation and interference.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
📅 Dec 17 | 8:30 AM ET What can #Moldova2025Elections teach us about countering foreign information manipulation? Join DFRLab’s @victoriaolari.bsky.social & @buziashvili.bsky.social for a discussion and report launch under the FIMI ISAC’s FDEI project: bit.ly/49cY1lG
bit.ly
Lessons on countering foreign manipulation from Moldova’s 2025 elections
The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab discusses lessons learned from safeguarding the 2025 elections in Moldova against foreign information manipulation and interference.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
🇲🇩 Facing dynamically evolving propaganda threats, Moldova’s information space is under sustained pressure. Our latest report w/ INFO OPS Poland examines how foreign actors exploit polarization & media fragmentation to shape public opinion bit.ly/4pV46cj
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Study of the Information Environment: MOLDOVA - Disinfo Digest
The "MUGA Project – An Examination of the Information Environment: Moldova" report was created in response to the growing threats of propaganda and disinformation, which increasingly affect the politi...
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
🇨🇦In Toronto, the DFRLab joined @globalaffairs.canada.ca’s Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM Canada) & @utoronto.ca for the G7 Digital Transnational Repression Detection Academy Symposium launching a new initiative, strengthening how G7+ partners detect & counter digital transnational repression.
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
🇺🇦 Despite developing remarkable resilience since 2014, #Ukraine’s information space remains deeply contested. Our latest report w/ INFO OPS Poland shows how years of conflict have reshaped the information environment: bit.ly/4pypCDt
bit.ly
Information environment research: UKRAINE - Disinfo Digest
The report, "Information Environment Research: Ukraine," was developed as part of the MUGA project, implemented by the INFO OPS Poland Foundation and DFRLab (Atlantic Council). Its primary objective i...
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
🇦🇲Our latest report under #ProjectMUGA w/ INFO OPS Poland Foundation digs into the fault lines that make Armenia especially vulnerable to foreign influence, and how Russia is exploiting this moment of political and social transition. Read now: bit.ly/4peZ0XH
bit.ly
Information environment research – Armenia - Disinfo Digest
Raport: Analysis of Armenia's information environment The report you hold was prepared as part of the MUGA project, implemented by the INFO OPS Poland Foundation and DFRLab (Atlantic Council). Its goa...
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
📅Today @ 9AM ET Join the Democracy+Tech Initiative as we explore how digital identity is reshaping governance across Africa: bit.ly/3K4IPxk Have questions for the panelists? Visit askac.org to share your insight 💬
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
📅Nov 19 @ 9AM | Digital identity systems are transforming governance across Africa while raising big questions about privacy, inclusion & power. Join DFRLab's Democracy+Tech Initiative as we explore how digital identity is reshaping governance, elections & rights across the continent bit.ly/3K4IPxk
bit.ly
Biometrics in Africa: The market behind digital identity
The Atlantic Council’s Democracy + Tech Initiative hosts a conversation on biometric and digital identification systems in Africa.
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Andy Carvin @acarv.in · 27/10/2025
Congratulations to the entire team at @dfrlab.bsky.social for the release of "Authoritarian reach and democratic response: A tactical framework to counter and prevent transnational repression (TNR)."
atlanticcouncil.org
Authoritarian reach and democratic response: A tactical framework to counter and prevent transnational repression
When foreign governments conduct surveillance, intimidation, or enforcement actions, they undermine state sovereignty and threaten to erode public trust in institutions, representing a significant nat...
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DFRLab @dfrlab.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
#TransnationalRepression is reshaping how authoritarian regimes project power & target critics abroad. @marcuskolga.bsky.social @imleeszefung.bsky.social @kentonthibaut.bsky.social @nosumacero.bsky.social & @lisandranovo.bsky.social introduce a framework to counter these operations: bit.ly/3Xgfz9I
bit.ly
Authoritarian reach and democratic response: A tactical framework to counter and prevent transnational repression
When foreign governments conduct surveillance, intimidation, or enforcement actions, they undermine state sovereignty and threaten to erode public trust in institutions, representing a significant nat...
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Andy Carvin @acarv.in · 28/10/2025
Grokipedia sounds way too much like the pro-Kremlin Wikipedia knockoff Runiversalis, which @buziashvili.bsky.social and I wrote about for @dfrlab.bsky.social in 2022. dfrlab.org/2022/09/01/p...
dfrlab.org
Pro-Kremlin Wikipedia alternative off to a rough start
Member-only pages, restrictive content policies, and a lack of transparency: Runiversalis is a wiki in name only.
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Andy Carvin @acarv.in · 16/10/2025
Almost as large as the 2023 Russian TikTok operation @dfrlab.bsky.social and BBC Verify uncovered targeting former Ukrainian Def Min Oleksii Reznikov, though arguably more sophisticated, as the Moldova op used full-blown AI-generated videos rather than AI-generated voiceover audio.
dfrlab.org
Massive Russian influence operation targeted former Ukrainian defense minister on TikTok
Joint DFRLab-BBC Verify investigation exposes the largest information operation ever uncovered on popular social media platform TikTok.
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