NHS staff push back against using 'ethically bankrupt' Palantir software, say 'it doesn't do anything new for us'

Date:
Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:25:00 +0000

Description:
Some NHS workers are refusing to use Palantir software over the company's
ties to controversial activity.

FULL STORY
A growing number of NHS staff in the UK are reportedly
refusing to use Palantir's Federated Data Platform (FDP), according to claims from Financial Times , which reports informal boycotts from both clinical and non-clinical staff.

The biggest pushbacks 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.

Palantir's position in the NHS criticized from within -- There's also
an ongoing push across Europe and the UK to reduce reliance on US tech firms the US-headquartered company is clearly an indirect target in this geopolitically-influenced trend.

The report notes groups like the British Medical Association (BMA) are encouraging resistance to Palantir's software, with campaigners arguing that using the platform essentially endorses the company.

Politicians have already responded to the backlash, agreeing in part with
what campaigners stand for.

MPs say the criticism is about value, transparency and trust not necessarily ideology and as such, the UK government could be considering a break clause
in the contract amid the backlash.

Together, the NHS and Palantir's FDP claim to have opened up tens of
thousands of new operations, reduced wait times and improved scheduling, by combining multiple data sources into one central database.

However, while politicians seem to be reacting 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 bigger contract.

Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/nhs-staff-push-back-against-using-ethically-bank rupt-palantir-software-say-it-doesnt-do-anything-new-for-us

$$
--- SBBSecho 3.28-Linux
* Origin: Capitol City Online (1:2320/107)