UK Withholds Files on Israeli Firm Accused of Meddling in Scottish Election, Citing National Security

The UK government has refused to release information about an Israeli firm accused of interfering in Scotland’s parliamentary election, citing national security concerns. The refusal came in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from The National, a Scottish newspaper, which sought details about correspondence involving France’s foreign interference watchdog, Viginum, and its findings on alleged Israeli-linked influence operations.

The Scottish newspaper reported that the Cabinet Office withheld all material requested under FOI legislation concerning BlackCore, an Israeli firm linked by Viginum to digital influence operations targeting Scottish First Minister John Swinney and the Scottish National Party (SNP). The French agency identified BlackCore-linked activities affecting elections in Scotland, France, New York City, Angola, and Togo.

Viginum’s findings indicated that at least 256 accounts were mobilized in Scotland, posting around 1,400 comments, primarily targeting Swinney, the SNP, and the Scottish Government. Of these, 652 comments were specifically directed at Swinney. BlackCore removed its online presence after being publicly identified, though the identities of those behind the alleged campaign remain undisclosed.

The National submitted identical FOI requests to both the UK and Scottish governments, seeking any correspondence mentioning Viginum and its findings regarding the alleged Israeli-linked influence operations. The UK government initially delayed its response, stating that the request engaged Section 24 of the FOI Act, which protects information that must not be disclosed to safeguard national security.

The Cabinet Office later refused to release any of the requested information, citing national security and the need to protect relations with foreign governments. Officials emphasized that withholding the documents was necessary to “avoid giving offence to other nations and retain the trust of our international partners.”

The Cabinet Office stated that it had weighed the public interest in transparency against the strong public interest in safeguarding national security. It emphasized the importance of protecting sensitive information, as disclosure could have significant diplomatic repercussions. The refusal highlights the complexities of balancing transparency with national security in international relations.

Source: Read the original report