Paris prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into an Israeli company accused of orchestrating a coordinated disinformation and social media manipulation campaign aimed at candidates in French elections.
Investigators are examining whether the firm used covert online operations to spread misleading content and amplify divisive narratives during recent electoral cycles. French authorities said the probe focuses on potential violations of election interference and fraud statutes.
The case has drawn attention across Europe as governments confront foreign-linked influence operations on digital platforms. Prosecutors have not publicly named all targets of the alleged campaign, but officials said the inquiry will review funding channels, contractor networks and platform activity linked to the company.
Legal experts said France’s investigation could test how national courts apply criminal law to cross-border digital manipulation. Israeli and French officials have not confirmed whether diplomatic channels are involved as investigators gather digital evidence and witness statements.
Election integrity advocates said the probe underscores growing concern that commercial firms may be hired to conduct covert political messaging abroad. The Paris prosecutor’s office is expected to determine whether charges will follow a preliminary fact-finding phase.
French authorities said the inquiry centers on an Israeli company accused of running a coordinated disinformation and social media manipulation campaign targeting election candidates. Investigators will assess whether covert messaging operations violated French criminal law governing electoral interference.
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Sources:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-26-2026/