Blackcore: How an Israeli influence operation allegedly targeted elections across multiple countries
Viginum, France's cybersecurity agency, accuses Israeli firm Blackcore of conducting digital interference campaigns targeting elections across France, Scotland, New York, Angola and Togo. The operation used bot networks and online fronts such as the charity 'Sadaqah Palestine.' The agency says the actions were aimed at influencing political outcomes in multiple jurisdictions.
The agency cites at least 256 inauthentic accounts generating about 1,400 comments on posts by John Swinney, the SNP, and ScotGovFM, amplified by targeted ads. A Haaretz–French report links these accounts to Blackcore's servers. The French government has Israel's explanations and has engaged with the matter; Israel's embassy says France has contacted it, but no joint investigation has been announced.
