Israeli Tech Firm Accused of Targeting First Minister in Election

Israeli tech firm accused of targeting – A French government agency has alleged that an Israeli-based technology firm targeted Scotland’s First Minister during the lead-up to the Holyrood election. The claims center around BlackCore, a company that describes itself as an “elite influence, cyber, and technology firm” focused on shaping narratives through digital strategies. According to the report, BlackCore was implicated in coordinated online disinformation efforts aimed at undermining John Swinney and the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the May 7 election.

Disinformation Campaign Linked to Gaza Comments

John Swinney, who serves as Scotland’s first minister, had previously criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling the conflict a “man-made humanitarian catastrophe” and suggesting a genocide may be occurring. Viginum, a disinformation detection service, identified hundreds of fake accounts working in tandem to post synchronized comments on Swinney’s social media profiles. The firm reported that these accounts spread over 1,400 comments, primarily targeting posts from @JohnSwinney, @theSNP, and @ScotGovFM. Specifically, 652 comments were attributed to Swinney’s accounts, 338 to the SNP, and 112 to the Scottish government’s official social media.

“It is clear that orchestrated disinformation campaigns and foreign election interference are issues which need to be taken seriously,” Swinney stated. “Urgent steps need to be taken to counter the threat of foreign online political interference, and ensure that our democratic processes are not undermined. That begins with the UK Government, which has responsibility for national security, making dealing with hostile state online interference a far higher priority.”

BlackCore’s Global Influence

The firm’s activities extend beyond Scotland, with French authorities linking it to campaigns in Angola, Togo, and the New York mayoral election of 2025. That race was won by Zohran Mamdani, a left-wing candidate and vocal advocate for Palestine. Viginum’s report highlights BlackCore’s role in digital interference operations across multiple countries, using inauthentic accounts to manipulate public perception. The company claims to provide governments and political campaigns with “cutting-edge strategies, advanced tools, and robust security” to influence narratives, but its online presence was erased after Reuters raised questions about its activities.

French Government’s Investigation

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed that the government has requested explanations from Israel regarding BlackCore’s actions. “I do not doubt for a single instant that if a French private group, from French soil moreover, had engaged in foreign digital interference in Israel, they would have done the same to its ambassador on site,” he added. While Israel’s embassy in Paris stated it is awaiting details from the French probe, it emphasized its commitment to avoiding interference in French political processes at all levels.

Viginum’s findings reveal the scale of BlackCore’s operations, with the firm allegedly mobilizing 256 accounts to spread targeted messages. The report suggests these accounts were used to amplify criticism of pro-Palestine candidates, potentially swaying public opinion. However, the exact source of funding or direction for these campaigns remains unclear. Marc-Antoine Brillant, Viginum’s chief, noted that their investigation could not definitively identify the sponsors behind the foreign digital interference, though they suspect a state-backed effort.

Context of the Election Results

Despite the disinformation claims, the SNP secured a significant victory in the Scottish Parliament election, winning 58 seats. Swinney’s re-election as first minister followed swiftly, indicating public support for his policies and statements. The incident raises questions about the role of digital tactics in modern elections, particularly in regions with strong political ties to global issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The French government’s accusation comes amid growing concerns about foreign influence in domestic politics. Last month, Reuters revealed that BlackCore was suspected of orchestrating a smear campaign against three mayoral candidates from the hard-left France Unbowed party (LFI) during local elections. This aligns with Viginum’s broader findings, which indicate the firm’s involvement in digital interference operations across several nations. The report underscores how social media platforms are being weaponized to target political figures and sway public sentiment.

BlackCore’s strategy appears to involve creating a network of fake accounts that mimic genuine users, allowing them to post comments and share content in a coordinated manner. This method blurs the lines between organic engagement and deliberate manipulation, making it difficult for voters to discern between authentic discourse and orchestrated propaganda. The firm’s ability to operate across borders highlights the challenges of regulating digital influence in an interconnected world.

Political Implications and Responses

While the SNP’s electoral success suggests the disinformation efforts may not have significantly altered the outcome, the incident has sparked debate about the need for stronger safeguards against online interference. Swinney’s comments on Gaza have made him a target for critics, and the alleged smear campaign could have been designed to weaken his standing among voters sympathetic to Palestinian causes.

The French government’s investigation into BlackCore is part of a broader effort to combat digital manipulation. As the probe continues, officials are seeking both accountability and evidence of state involvement. Meanwhile, BlackCore’s defenders argue that their tools are essential for shaping political narratives in an era dominated by information warfare. The firm’s removal of its online presence following Reuters’ inquiries has added to the mystery surrounding its operations.

With the Holyrood election results confirmed, the focus now shifts to understanding the full scope of BlackCore’s activities. The case underscores the increasing importance of digital literacy and the need for transparent oversight of foreign entities operating in electoral campaigns. As the SNP solidifies its position, the allegations serve as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in modern democratic processes.

The implications of this case extend beyond Scotland, illustrating how digital influence can cross borders and impact political outcomes. French authorities are not the only ones scrutinizing BlackCore’s role, with other nations likely to examine their own vulnerabilities to similar tactics. The firm’s alleged actions highlight the evolving nature of political warfare, where online campaigns can now rival traditional methods in their reach and effectiveness.