Combatting disinformation can’t be done alone; ultimately it requires a growing movement of individuals taking the lead around the world and in their own communities. It’s these Digital Sherlocks who are at the heart of our movement.
In 2019, the DFRLab and its partners trained over 1,500 people in more than 50 workshops across six continents; we also financially supported over 50 members of civil society from 25 countries to attend our flagship event, 360/OS, in London in June that year.
As the COVID-19 pandemic constrained us all to a remote capacity, we were able to massively expand our efforts and virtually engage our global community around the world. Launched last October, our 360/Digital Sherlocks training program currently involves over 500 participants from over 80 countries in an online initiative designed to foster the capacity of independent media and civil society to protect the information ecosystem and combat disinformation.
Between January and May 2024, DFRLab experts will conduct trainings on social media analysis, advanced OSINT techniques, deepfakes detection, data visualization, and open-source tools, and facilitated discussions on topics such as online extremism, digital regulation, State-sponsored information operations, and more.
In addition to free, opt-in trainings, the selected scholars have access to a global network of experts ready to exchange ideas and collaborate, exclusive material and resources, and other tailored opportunities.
Digital Sherlocks Programming Staff
360/Digital Sherlocks Contact
Join our online Sherlock communities
Logistical Information and Admin Best Practices
All trainings, links, passwords, and social media groups are strictly reserved to confirmed scholars and we trust that nobody will share any proprietary information outside of the cohort. If you know anyone interested in joining the program, you can tell them to email dfrlab@atlanticcouncil.org and we will direct them to the right application process.
- You can find registration information for every training session on the calendar at the bottom of the page. You need to register for each session individually at least 24 hours before the session is set to begin. We will share the Zoom link only with registrants (12-24h before each session) and we will vet participants from the Zoom waiting room. With that in mind, please use your name that you registered with for your zoom name. If we can’t confirm your identity, we may not be able to admit you to the training.
- We will NOT send calendar reminders or confirmation emails per each registration, so mark your calendar as soon as you register and land on the “thank you” page. If you ever have a doubt about the day/time of a session, you can always consult the calendar on our website.
- Details may change as the program continues. We will try to keep you up to date as much as possible, but please also check the calendar periodically and be on the lookout for any alteration to the program and scheduling.
- All times are listed in Eastern time. If you ever have any doubts or want to check out your local time, you can use a time zone converter.
- ALL TRAININGS ARE OPT-IN. You can select and register to as many sessions as you want based on your interest and schedule.
Welcome to the Digital Sherlocks
Training Resources and Guides
Reporting and Media
Digital Journalism and Mitigating Vicarious Trauma
Propaganda tools (COMING SOON!)
Social Media
Advanced Facebook Analysis (COMING SOON!)
Basics of Chinese Platforms and Disinfo Operations
Introduction to Facebook Analysis
Introduction to Twitter (X) Analysis
Network Mapping – Data Visualization (COMING SOON!)
Overview of other social media platforms (TikTok, Reddit, Discord, Parler, etc.)
