Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, and the Scottish National Party (SNP) were reportedly targeted by an Israeli technology company, BlackCore, through online disinformation campaigns ahead of a Holyrood election. This accusation comes from Viginum, a French government agency specialising in disinformation detection, which claims accounts linked to BlackCore carried out 'digital interference operations'.
Viginum's detailed report alleges that BlackCore orchestrated the use of at least 256 inauthentic social media accounts to spread over 1,400 coordinated comments. These comments were primarily directed at posts from Mr Swinney, the official SNP account, and the Scottish Government's First Minister profile. The agency's findings indicate a concerted effort to influence online narratives surrounding the First Minister and his party.
Responding to the report, First Minister John Swinney expressed significant concern, stating that 'orchestrated disinformation campaigns and foreign election interference are issues which need to be taken seriously.' He urged the UK Government, which holds responsibility for national security, to prioritise tackling hostile state online interference to safeguard democratic processes. This call highlights the perceived threat to the integrity of UK elections from external actors.
BlackCore, which previously marketed itself as an 'elite influence, cyber, and technology company built for the modern era of information warfare,' claimed to provide 'cutting-edge strategies, advanced tools, and robust security to shape narratives' for governments and political campaigns. The firm has since removed its online presence following inquiries from news agencies regarding its activities.
The allegations against BlackCore extend beyond the UK. Last month, Reuters reported that French authorities suspected the firm was behind an online smear campaign targeting mayoral candidates from the hard-left France Unbowed party (LFI) in local elections. The French government has formally requested an explanation from Israel regarding BlackCore's actions and assistance in identifying those who commissioned the campaigns. The Israeli embassy in Paris has stated it is awaiting details from the French investigation before conducting its own.