France probes whether Israeli firm BlackCore interfered in local elections, sources say

French intelligence agencies are probing whether BlackCore, an Israeli firm described as an 'elite influence, cyber, and technology company,' conducted a disinformation operation targeting candidates from France Unbowed ahead of March’s municipal elections. The campaign included deceptive websites, fake social media accounts, and digital ads alleging criminal behavior against Sébastien Delogu (Marseille), François Piquemal (Toulouse), and David Guiraud (Roubaix). Three sources familiar with the investigation confirmed the probe, though BlackCore’s involvement remains unverified by Reuters. Meta Platforms removed a network of accounts linked to the French operation, stating the activity originated in Israel and violated rules against 'coordinated inauthentic behavior.' Google and TikTok also identified aspects of the campaign, with TikTok removing an account promoting a bogus site. BlackCore’s LinkedIn and website, which claimed expertise in 'information warfare,' were taken offline after Reuters inquiries, and the firm did not respond to repeated contact attempts. The disinformation scheme was first exposed in March by *Le Monde*, which revealed 'foreign digital interference' targeting France Unbowed. Investigative outlet *Le Canard Enchaîné* later reported suspicions of an Israeli firm, though without naming it. French prosecutors and Viginum, the government’s disinformation detection service, declined to comment on BlackCore’s alleged role. BlackCore’s documents, reviewed by Reuters, claimed credit for a separate social media operation on behalf of an African government, beginning in January and lasting 14 weeks. While Meta linked the African campaign to the French disinformation effort, it stopped short of identifying a specific culprit. Two sources confirmed BlackCore’s involvement in both campaigns but provided no further details. The investigation highlights growing concerns over foreign interference in local elections amid rising political polarization in France. Authorities are now examining who commissioned BlackCore’s alleged smear campaign and its broader implications for electoral integrity.