Palantir is worming its way into the British state – it’s time to curb this controversial US company’s influence
Tom Watson has said ‘mob rule’ must not decide public contracts. Perhaps he should take a look at his new employer
TL;DR
- Palantir, a US tech company, has secured significant government contracts in the UK, including with the Ministry of Defence, police forces, the FCA, and the NHS.
- Concerns exist regarding Palantir's lobbying efforts, which allegedly involve significant spending on political access and the use of UK's lobbying laws.
- Key figures like Tom Watson have joined Palantir, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of former politicians and officials within the company.
- The company has faced scrutiny over its contracts, including a £1 contract with the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic and a £241m Ministry of Defence contract awarded without open tender.
- Allegations suggest Palantir's products may be substandard, and there are concerns about 'vendor lock-in' once government agencies begin using their services.
- Palantir has faced controversy for its work with the Trump administration and the Israeli government, with its CEO making controversial remarks.
- NHS England has reportedly granted Palantir "unlimited access" to patient data, raising widespread concerns about data privacy and security.
- The article criticizes the UK's lobbying laws, which are described as ineffective, and calls for greater transparency in interactions between lobbyists and government officials.
- The influence of private business interests on government decisions is questioned, with a call for government to prioritize the public's interests.