Disinformation
ISD identifies, monitors and analyses online information operations targeting elections and policy agendas.
ISD’s research on disinformation is a central pillar of our Digital Analysis Unit. Using state-of-the-art data analytics, OSINT techniques and ethnographic research, we investigate the complex relationship between foreign state and transnational non-state actors attempting to undermine democracy and promote polarisation through online manipulation and disinformation.
ISD, in partnership with LSE Arena and CASM, has analysed malicious campaigns launched during a number of elections including the 2017 German Federal Election, 2018 Swedish Election, 2018 Bavarian State Elections, 2019 European Parliamentary Elections and 2020 US Presidential Election. ISD’s analysis of disinformation also covers the use of online manipulation to target policy issues, including climate change and migration.
ISD’s work surveys the wide range of disinformation tactics used to promote polarisation, to undermine elections and to threaten democratic discourse. This includes smear and defamation campaigns, distortive and deceptive content and identities, and the range of inorganic methods used to covertly amplify this content to wider audiences.
ISD uses this research to provide timely and evidence-based data to media, policy and civil society representatives. We aim to enable rapid responses to emerging and long-term disinformation threats and malicious uses of social media that target democracies and democratic processes. ISD’s evidence base also feeds into ongoing debates on platform accountability and regulation.

Launch of the Google Impact Challenge for Safety
Munich, Germany, 2019
ISD’s Disinformation research team

Jiore Craig
Resident Senior Fellow, Digital Integrity






Jacob Davey
Head of Research & Policy, Far-right and Hate Movements






Jennie King
Head of Climate Research and Policy






Melanie Smith
Head of Research, ISD US






Henry Tuck
Head of Digital Policy






Till Baaken
Head of Programmes, ISD Germany






Mauritius Dorn
Senior Digital Policy and Education Manager



Mauritius Dorn
Senior Digital Policy and Education Manager



Cooper Gatewood
Senior Digital Research Manager



Cooper Gatewood
Senior Digital Research Manager



Jakob Guhl
Senior Manager, Policy & Research






Charlotte Moeyens
Senior Manager, Networks & Civic Action



Charlotte Moeyens
Senior Manager, Networks & Civic Action



Sara Bundtzen
Research and Policy Analyst, ISD Germany



Sara Bundtzen
Research and Policy Analyst, ISD Germany



Dominik Hammer
Research Manager, ISD Germany



Dominik Hammer
Research Manager, ISD Germany



Christian Schwieter
Fellow






Cécile Simmons
Research Manager


