French watchdog links Israeli firm BlackCore to election meddling | PiQ Markets
French watchdog links Israeli firm BlackCore to election meddling
1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT
France's digital interference watchdog, Viginum, has accused Israeli company BlackCore of conducting online influence and propaganda campaigns targeting elections and political figures in multiple countries, including France, Scotland, Angola, Togo, and New York City.
✉Newsletter
PiQ Daily
Pick your topics. Get only what matters, on your cadence.
Who's Involved
Viginum
France's digital interference watchdog
BlackCore
Israeli company accused of election meddling
John Swinney
Target of BlackCore-linked accounts in Scotland
La France Insoumise
French left-wing party targeted by BlackCore
Marc-Antoine Brillant
Head of Viginum
Emmanuel Macron
French President
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister
Sebastien Lecornu
French Prime Minister
Zohran Mamdani
Winner of New York City mayoral election in 2025
↳ Why This Matters
The allegations highlight concerns about foreign interference in democratic processes through sophisticated digital influence operations, potentially impacting election outcomes and public discourse.
Key facts
French watchdog Viginum accused Israeli firm BlackCore of election meddling.
BlackCore allegedly conducted influence campaigns in France, Scotland, Angola, Togo, and New York City.
Methods used included automated accounts, data leaks, and fabricated allegations.
The firm described itself as an "elite influence, cyber, and technology company."
France has requested an explanation from Israel regarding BlackCore's activities.
France's digital interference watchdog, Viginum, has accused Israeli company BlackCore of conducting online influence and propaganda campaigns across multiple countries. The operations allegedly targeted elections and political figures in locations including France, Scotland, Angola, Togo, and New York City.
Viginum reported that accounts linked to BlackCore targeted individuals such as John Swinney in Scotland, who had described the situation in Gaza as a "man-made humanitarian catastrophe." The firm also allegedly focused on candidates from the French left-wing party La France Insoumise using automated accounts, data leaks, and fabricated allegations.
Similar methods were reportedly used during municipal elections in New York City, though specific targets and sponsors for those operations remain unclear. BlackCore, prior to scrubbing its online presence, described itself as an "elite influence, cyber, and technology company" specializing in information warfare.
French authorities have formally requested an explanation from Israel regarding BlackCore's conduct and assistance in identifying any potential sponsors of the alleged smear campaigns. Israel's embassy in Paris confirmed receipt of the request and stated that Israel has no intention of interfering in French politics.
Frequently asked questions
Viginum is France's digital interference watchdog, responsible for uncovering disinformation and foreign influence operations online.
BlackCore is accused of conducting coordinated online smear campaigns and digital influence operations to interfere in elections and political discourse in multiple countries.
Alleged targets include France, Scotland, Angola, Togo, and New York City.
Methods included automated accounts, data leaks, and the circulation of fabricated allegations.
Israel's embassy in Paris confirmed it received France's request for an explanation and stated that Israel has no intention of interfering in French politics.
What Happens Next
01Israel is expected to provide details from its investigation into BlackCore's activities.
02Further investigations may seek to identify the sponsors behind BlackCore's alleged campaigns.
Get the newsletter.
Pick the topics you actually care about. We'll email when there's news worth your time, on the cadence you choose. Cancel any time from your account.
Cadence
How It Developed
France's digital interference watchdog, Viginum, linked Israeli company BlackCore to online influence campaigns.
Viginum stated that BlackCore's operations targeted elections and political figures in France, Scotland, Angola, Togo, and New York City.
Accounts linked to BlackCore allegedly targeted French political figures and candidates from the left-wing party La France Insoumise.
Evidence suggested similar methods were used during municipal elections in New York City.
BlackCore described itself as an "elite influence, cyber, and technology company" for information warfare.
French authorities formally asked Israel for an explanation and assistance in identifying campaign sponsors.
Israel's embassy in Paris stated it had no intention of interfering in French politics.
