Disinformation
ISD identifies, monitors and analyses online information operations targeting elections and policy agendas.
ISD’s research and publications on disinformation are a central pillar of our Digital Analysis Unit. Using state-of-the-art technology, OSINT techniques and research methodologies, we are able to investigate the complex relationship between foreign state and transnational non-state actors attempting to undermine democracy and promote polarisation.
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 work surveys the wide range of disinformation tactics used to promote polarisation, to undermine elections and to threaten democratic discourse. This includes smear campaigns, distortive and deceptive media, and the range of inorganic methods used to amplify this content to wider audiences. We combine cutting-edge social media analytics, broadcast media analysis and investigative journalism to build a comprehensive picture of malicious communications strategies.
ISD uses this research to provide timely and evidence-based data to media, policy and civil society representatives on the ground. 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 Disinformation research team

Milo Comerford
Senior Manager, Policy & Research

Milo Comerford
Senior Manager, Policy & Research

Chloe Colliver
Head of Digital Policy and Strategy


Jacob Davey
Senior Research Manager, Far Right & Hate Crime


Cooper Gatewood
Manager, Digital Research

Cooper Gatewood
Manager, Digital Research

Cécile Guerin
Coordinator, Technology, Communications & Education

Cécile Guerin
Coordinator, Technology, Communications & Education

Jakob Guhl
Coordinator, Policy & Research

Jakob Guhl
Coordinator, Policy & Research

Mackenzie Hart
Associate, Research & Policy

Mackenzie Hart
Associate, Research & Policy

Jennie King
Senior Policy Manager, Technology, Communications & Education

Jennie King
Senior Policy Manager, Technology, Communications & Education

Charlotte Moeyens
Manager, Technology, Communications & Education

Henry Tuck
Head of Policy & Research

Henry Tuck
Head of Policy & Research