Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab)

🚨 New Report Alert: Unveiling Venezuela's Digital Authoritarianism 🚨 Discover how Venezuela has become a model for digital repression under Maduro's rule. Our latest report, "Venezuela: A Playbook for Digital Repression," written by Iria Puyosa, Andrés Azpúrua, and Daniel Suárez, exposes the regime's use of AI-generated disinformation, widespread surveillance, and interference in elections. Key highlights include: 🔍 Surveillance & Harassment: Targeting journalists and human rights defenders. 🛰️ Information Control: Extensive digital repression and state-sponsored disinformation. 🤖 AI in Disinformation: First in the Western Hemisphere to use AI-generated videos for disinformation. 🌐 Global Influence: Interference in Latin American elections and international judiciary decisions with support from Russia and China. 📡 Surveillance Systems: Data collection via the Homeland System and monitoring of communications. 🎯 Targeting Dissidents: Coordinated media attacks and judicial prosecution without due process. 🌐 Censorship: Blocking over 100 URLs, including news and human rights sites. As Venezuela approaches a crucial moment, this report underscores the potential for a democratic transition in the July 28 election. Dive in and share your insights with us: https://bit.ly/3zRbAbj Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada supported Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) in conducting the research that led to the report “Venezuela: A Playbook for Digital Repression."

Our very own Emerson Brooking delves into how Russian propagandists spun the Trump assassination attempt in POLITICO Tech's latest podcast 🎙️ https://lnkd.in/dimYCThb

🚨 REMINDER: Happening today @ 9AM EST 🚨 Join us for the launch of our new report "Venezuela: A Playbook for Digital Repression"

Join the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) on Monday, July 22nd, from 9:00 – 10:00 AM ET as we launch our latest report, "Venezuela: A Playbook for Digital Repression." This comprehensive study examines how Venezuela has established a model for digital authoritarianism and democratic backsliding over the past 25 years. The report highlights a sophisticated surveillance apparatus, state-sponsored information operations, and systematic violations of digital rights, providing critical insights into the Venezuelan government's digital repression tactics. Jason Marczak, Senior Director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, will deliver welcoming remarks. Report authors Andrés Azpúrua, Daniel Suárez, and myself Iria Puyosa will present main findings. Opening remarks by Ben Rowswell, who served as Canada’s ambassador to Venezuela from 2014 to 2017, and closing remarks by Carrie Filipetti, executive director of The Vandenberg Coalition. The 2024 Maria Moors Cabot awardee, journalist John Otis, will moderate a conversation with Tamara Taraciuk Broner, John Polga-Hecimovich, and Adam F., discussing human rights violations, autocratic consolation, and paths toward the transition to democracy, as well as how the case of Venezuela fits into global digital authoritarianism along the cases of China and Russia.  This discussion is particularly timely ahead of Venezuela's upcoming presidential elections, shedding light on the tactics that could impact the democratic process. To join the conversation, register here: https://lnkd.in/eR23duCA

Next week, I will be participating in the Atlantic Council 's launch of their new report, "Venezuela: A Playbook for Digital Repression." This webinar will present the incredible work the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) has done on the Maduro regime's use of technology to repress the Venezuelan people. Join us by registering below.

The concept of "Sovereign AI," championed for its promise of national autonomy in AI development, poses intricate challenges. However, while sovereignty offers resilience against external dependencies, it risks fracturing global digital governance and stifling collaborative innovation crucial for ethical AI deployment. Read more:

“The result was a perfect storm of righteous fury, blame-casting and conspiratorialism, at a moment when absolutely everyone was paying attention,” the DFRLab's Emerson Brooking told The New York Times:

The recent attempt on former President Trump's life has sparked a flurry of narratives within pro-Russian media circles, showcasing a complex blend of solidarity and critique. From symbolic gestures like messages scrawled on artillery shells to memes juxtaposing Trump with historical figures, these reactions on Telegram reflect both support for Trump and underlying apprehensions about US policies. The DFRLab’s latest:

Join the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) on July 22 at 9:00 am ET for the launch of their latest report: “Venezuela: A playbook for digital repression.” Speakers include Andrés Azpúrua, Adam F., Ben Rowswell, Carrie F., Daniel Suarez, Iria Puyosa, John Polga-Hecimovich, and Tamara P Taraciuk Broner, with welcoming remarks from Jason Marczak. John Otis will moderate the conversation. Register today. ⬇️

EVENT ALERT🚨Join us on Monday, July 22nd from 9:00 – 10:00 AM ET as we launch our latest report, "Venezuela: A Playbook for Digital Repression." This comprehensive study examines how Venezuela has established a model for digital authoritarianism and democratic backsliding over the past 25 years. The report highlights a sophisticated surveillance apparatus, state-sponsored information operations, and systematic violations of digital rights, providing critical insights into the Venezuelan government's digital repression tactics. Join us as report authors Andrés Azpúrua, Daniel Suárez, and Iria Puyosa present their findings, with opening remarks by Ben Rowswell, who served as Canada’s ambassador to Venezuela from 2014 to 2017, and closing remarks by Carrie F., executive director of The Vandenberg Coalition and chair of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center’s Venezuela Solutions Group. This discussion is particularly timely ahead of Venezuela's upcoming presidential elections, shedding light on the tactics that could impact the democratic process. Don't miss this crucial event— save the date and join the conversation! Register here: