The French disinformation detection service, Viginum, has announced serious allegations against the Israeli company, BlackCore, suggesting its involvement in electoral interference beyond France. Initially, French authorities suspected BlackCore orchestrated an online smear campaign against three mayoral candidates from the radical left and pro-Palestinian party La France Insoumise (LFI) during local elections in France. At a press conference, Viginum director Marc-Antoine Brillant stated that technical investigations pointed directly to the Israeli firm.
According to a report published by Viginum, BlackCore’s alleged activities were not confined to French municipal elections. Brillant indicated the model may have been used for external digital interference in countries such as Angola and Togo, and in elections held in Scotland and New York in 2025. While Brillant noted the scope of the alleged interference, he emphasized that the sponsors behind the French intervention remain unidentified.
In response to the revelations, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed that the French government has formally requested explanations from Israel concerning BlackCore’s activities and assistance in identifying the smear campaign’s source. The Israeli embassy in Paris confirmed receiving the inquiry and stated it is awaiting details of the French investigation before conducting its own inquiry, while asserting Israel has no intent to interfere in French politics. The alleged targets in New York and Scotland included pro-Palestinian figures.
Viginum’s subsequent report revealed accounts linked to BlackCore that targeted John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, following his statements regarding the situation in Gaza. BlackCore, before deleting its online presence following inquiries from Reuters journalists, described itself as an “elite influence, cybersecurity and technology company” offering services to shape public narratives.
Topics: #france #suspected #elections
This suggests a worrying level of foreign interference in democratic processes worldwide.
What specific methods or types of influence are alleged against BlackCore in these elections?