Over 44,000 object to Palantir's NHS data platform handling their personal data

Legal Objections Filed Against NHS Data Platform

Over 44,000 individuals have formally objected to NHS England's Federated Data Platform (FDP) handling their personal health data. The FDP, which utilizes Palantir's AI technology, is designed to connect various health service data points, from surgery schedules to discharge planning.

These objections are based on data protection laws, which mandate that the NHS must discontinue using the data unless it can present a 'compelling reason' to continue doing so. This action follows a broader campaign against the platform.

Public and Political Opposition

Hundreds of thousands have signed petitions urging the government to cancel its £330 million deal with Palantir. Andy Burnham is expected to make a decision regarding the contract in the coming months. Two House of Commons select committees have also called for a break clause in the seven-year deal to be exercised, which becomes active in February 2027.

Concerns Over Palantir's Associations

Campaigners have expressed concerns regarding Palantir's involvement with the Israeli military and Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. David Murray, a retired IBM systems engineer and one of the objectors, stated his discomfort with Palantir's associations, despite supporting the NHS having good patient data.

Amnesty International and Just Treatment staged a protest outside Palantir's London headquarters, questioning the company's role in the NHS given its links to the destruction of Gaza's healthcare system.

Disputed Benefits and Company Response

Protesters and some officials, including NHS England chief executive Jim Mackey, have raised doubts about the claimed public health benefits of the Palantir-powered platform. Palantir, however, asserts that the FDP helps reduce waiting lists and free up beds, citing examples like 117,000 additional operations and reductions in discharge delays.

Louis Mosley, Palantir's executive vice-president for UK and Europe, has dismissed critics, attributing their views to 'Palantir derangement syndrome'.