Israeli Firm BlackCore Accused of Smear Campaigns Against Pro-Palestine Candidates
French authorities and the nation’s disinformation detection service, Viginum, are investigating an Israeli technology firm, BlackCore, for allegedly orchestrating coordinated smear campaigns against left-wing and pro-Palestine political candidates. According to Viginum, the firm’s digital interference operations reached beyond France to include elections in Scotland, New York, Angola, and Togo.
Scope of the alleged interference
Viginum chief Marc-Antoine Brillant confirmed that the agency is investigating BlackCore’s digital activities, which reportedly involved the use of hundreds of fake social media accounts to generate over 1,400 coordinated comments. Investigations indicate these tactics targeted Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney during his 2024 campaign, specifically focusing on his public statements regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In France, authorities have linked the firm to smear campaigns against mayoral candidates from the La France Insoumise (LFI) party during the March local elections. Reports from Reuters, Haaretz, and the French daily Libération identified these efforts as a coordinated attempt to undermine candidates who advocated for policies such as rent caps and the twinning of municipalities with Palestinian cities.
Did You Know?
Before the investigations began, BlackCore maintained an online presence that marketed the firm as an “elite influencer, cyber, and technology campaign” designed for “modern era” information warfare and narrative shaping.
Why these campaigns matter
The investigations highlight a shift in the efficacy of political disinformation. While similar smears equating Palestine solidarity with antisemitism were considered effective in thwarting electoral success during the 2019 U.K. elections—most notably in the case of Jeremy Corbyn—current trends suggest these tactics may no longer hold the same political weight. Despite the alleged digital interference, left-wing candidates in Scotland and New York still secured electoral victories.
Expert Insight:
The case represents a significant evolution in foreign digital interference, where tech firms are allegedly hired to shape local political outcomes through mass-generated, artificial online discourse. The primary stake here is the integrity of domestic electoral processes when exposed to specialized, borderless information warfare tools.
What may happen next
As Paris prosecutors and Viginum continue their inquiries, the firm BlackCore has erased its online presence. Because Viginum has not yet identified the sponsors behind these campaigns, further disclosures may depend on the progress of the active French investigations. Analysts expect that as more data is recovered, additional details regarding the specific nature of the interference in the 2025 New York mayoral election may emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the primary subject of the investigation?
The investigation focuses on BlackCore, an Israeli tech company suspected of orchestrating online smear campaigns.
Which countries were targeted by these operations?
According to Viginum, the operations targeted candidates in Scotland, New York, France, Angola, and Togo.
What is the current status of the firm?
BlackCore is currently the subject of two investigations in France and has removed its online presence since these inquiries began.
Do you believe that social media platforms are doing enough to prevent coordinated, foreign-led disinformation campaigns during election cycles?