Unmasking BlackCore: Allegations of Foreign Interference in French Elections

French authorities are investigating potential foreign interference in municipal elections, allegedly involving an Israeli firm, BlackCore. The firm is accused of running a disinformation campaign against France Unbowed party candidates. BlackCore's operations have reportedly targeted multiple regions, raising concerns about the integrity of future elections.

French authorities are delving into potential foreign interference in March's municipal elections, with suspicions falling on an Israeli firm named BlackCore. The company stands accused of orchestrating a disinformation campaign against candidates from the hard-left France Unbowed party, according to sources close to the investigation.

The tactics involved deceptive websites and misleading social media accounts that smeared three candidates with criminal allegations and disparaging digital ads. French intelligence and Viginum, a disinformation detection service, are exploring who commissioned this alleged campaign.

The findings underscore growing concerns over election integrity amid rising political polarization. With crucial elections on the horizon, the stakes are high for France and other democracies grappling with similar threats from digital campaigns and overseas meddling.