France accuses Israeli firm of interfering in Scottish elections and targeting SNP

France Accuses Israeli Firm of Aiding Disinformation in Scottish Elections

France accuses Israeli firm of interfering - In a recent development, the French cybersecurity authority has raised concerns about the influence of an Israeli firm, BlackCore, on the Scottish parliamentary elections held earlier this year. The agency, Viginum, has claimed that BlackCore employed proxy social media accounts to spread disinformation, targeting key political figures and parties, including the leader of the Scottish National Party, John Swinney. This alleged interference, which took place between January and May, is said to have been part of a broader campaign aimed at influencing public opinion in Scotland.

Targeted Operations Across Multiple Jurisdictions

Viginum’s investigation revealed that BlackCore was involved in four separate disinformation efforts, with a particular focus on municipal elections in France. However, the company’s reach extended beyond the continent, as it also targeted the mayoral elections in New York, where Zohran Mamdani secured victory. The report further suggests that BlackCore had been active in other regions, including Togo and Angola, indicating a pattern of cross-border digital influence.

Brillant, head of digital interference at Viginum, highlighted that the company’s tactics were not confined to France. During a press conference with French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, he stated that BlackCore’s methods had been used to interfere in elections in Scotland, as well as in the 2025 municipal race in New York. Despite identifying BlackCore as the main actor, the agency remains uncertain about the identity of its financiers or sponsors, describing the operation as a complex network of digital manipulation.

"This modus operandi was not limited to municipal elections in France. It also appears to have been used to carry out foreign digital interference operations in other countries or regions, such as Angola, Togo, the elections in Scotland, and the 2025 municipal election in New York."

Specific Campaigns Against Scottish Targets

The Viginum report details a targeted effort that focused on John Swinney, the SNP, and the Scottish government. The campaign, which ran from January 6 to May 8, included coordinated posts and the mobilization of 256 social media accounts on X. These accounts generated approximately 1,400 comments, with Swinney’s profile being the most frequently attacked, receiving 652 individual comments. The SNP was also targeted 338 times, while the Scottish government faced 112 comments, all aimed at shaping the narrative around the elections.

Swinney, who has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, has imposed sanctions on arms firms supplying the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). These measures include withholding state grants and freezing support for exports to Israel. The Scottish government’s actions reflect its broader concerns about foreign interference in democratic processes, particularly when it comes to state-backed disinformation campaigns.

The Israeli government has not yet confirmed or denied involvement in these operations, stating that it will review the French report before deciding on its own investigation. This stance contrasts with the allegations that BlackCore, based in Israel, was actively working to influence outcomes in Scotland. Viginum’s findings suggest that the company’s operations were part of a larger strategy to sway elections globally, leveraging digital platforms to amplify its reach.

BlackCore’s Claims and Response

BlackCore, which previously described itself as an “elite influence, cyber and technology company built for the modern era of information warfare,” has claimed it provides governments with cutting-edge strategies to shape narratives. However, its website was recently updated after being contacted by Reuters, which had previously reported on the company’s activities. BlackCore has yet to respond to inquiries about its role in the Scottish elections.

According to Viginum, the company’s operations involved coordinated posting on social media, which allowed it to disseminate a large volume of content in a short period. The agency’s analysis of the data suggests that the comments were not random but part of a deliberate effort to distort public perception. The report also points to the possibility of a centralized effort behind the campaign, with BlackCore acting as an intermediary for foreign interests.

While the exact motives behind BlackCore’s actions remain unclear, the agency’s findings indicate a growing concern about the use of digital tools to influence political outcomes. The French government has emphasized that such interference could undermine the integrity of elections, particularly in regions where the political climate is sensitive. This case highlights the importance of monitoring online activity to prevent manipulation of public opinion.

Broader Implications for Democracy

Swinney, who has consistently spoken out against foreign interference, urged the UK government to prioritize hostile state actions in its defense strategy. He argued that disinformation campaigns pose a serious threat to democratic processes and that urgent measures are needed to counteract such efforts. “It is clear that orchestrated disinformation campaigns and foreign election interference are issues which need to be taken seriously,” he said, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response.

Brillant echoed Swinney’s sentiments, stating that the French cybersecurity authority’s investigations had uncovered a significant pattern of digital manipulation. He noted that while BlackCore was identified as the culprit, the underlying sponsors of the operation were still unknown. “Our investigations did not make it possible to identify the sponsor or sponsors, if indeed they exist, behind this foreign digital interference,” Brillant added.

The potential implications of this interference extend beyond Scotland. Lecornu, speaking in general terms, warned that next year’s French presidential election could also face international disinformation efforts. He emphasized that the entire political class in France might be targeted, underscoring the global nature of digital influence campaigns. This statement highlights the ongoing threat to electoral integrity and the need for vigilance across borders.

As the situation unfolds, the Scottish government and the Cabinet Office have been approached for further comment. The focus remains on understanding the full scope of BlackCore’s activities and determining the extent of its impact on the election results. With the possibility of more revelations, the case serves as a reminder of the evolving challenges in protecting democratic processes from digital threats.