- NHS workers are boycotting Palantir software, saying it links them to supporting the company
- The government has reportedly considered a break clause amid the backlash
- However, the British FCA has just awarded Palantir a trial contract
A growing number of NHS staff in the UK are reportedly refusing to use Palantir’s Federated Data Platform (FDP), according to claims by Financial Timeswho report informal boycotts by both clinical and non-clinical staff.
The biggest setbacks come from ethical concerns over Palantir’s ties to US defense and intelligence agencies, as well as immigration enforcement and other controversial geopolitical activity.
There are also ongoing concerns over privacy and data governance when it comes to sensitive NHS patient data.
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Palantir’s position in the NHS criticized from within
In addition to the above, there is also ongoing pressure across Europe and the UK to reduce reliance on US tech companies – the US-headquartered company is clearly an indirect target in this geopolitically influenced trend.
The report notes that groups such as the British Medical Association (BMA) are encouraging opposition to Palantir’s software, with campaigners arguing that use of the platform essentially supports the company.
Politicians have already responded to the backlash and partially agree with what campaigners stand for.
MPs say the criticism is about value, transparency and trust – not necessarily ideology – and as such the UK government may consider a break clause in the contract amid the backlash.
Together, the NHS and Palantir’s FDP claim to have opened tens of thousands of new operations, reduced waiting times and improved planning by combining multiple data sources into one central database.
But while politicians appear to be responding to NHS workers’ arguments, Palantir’s footprint is far from disappearing in the UK, with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) awarding the US tech firm a three-month contract ahead of what could potentially be a much larger contract.
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