• Research Associate, Sub-Saharan Africa

Jean le Roux

Jean le Roux is a research associate for the Sub-Saharan Africa region at the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) based in South Africa.

Jean’s research is focused on disinformation, misinformation and digital propaganda campaigns within Africa. He has a particular interest in capacitating journalists and students to conduct open source investigations, building digital resilience and fostering a new generation of #DigitalSherlocks.

Jean has a bachelor’s degree in law and has conducted high profile corruption, maladministration and misconduct investigations within the government and financial services sectors. He has extensive experience in conducting open source investigations cultivated during his 10-year career as a journalist, investigator and analyst.

March 2022

Fake Telegram group urges Africans in Ukraine to wear armbands used by combatants

by Jean le Roux

Misleading and racist Telegram groups emerge as accusations of racism by border authorities go viral on Twitter.
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February 2022

Pro-Russian Facebook assets in Mali coordinated support for Wagner Group, anti-democracy protests

by Jean le Roux

Coordinated network promoted military junta in months leading up to France’s decision to withdraw from the country.
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February 2022

Tracing the myth that COVID-19 vaccines alter human DNA

by Nika Aleksejeva, Lukas Andriukaitis, Jean le Roux, Roman Osadchuk, Ayushman Kaul, Daniel Suárez Pérez

Incorrect claims falsely attributed to public health experts were later amplified by anti-vax doctors and activists
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