- NHS workers boycott Palantir software, saying it ties them to support of the company
- Government reportedly considering break clause amid backlash
- However, the British FCA has just awarded Palantir a trial contract
Growing number of UK NHS workers are refusing to use Palantir’s Federated Data Platform (FDP), claims by Financial Timeswhich reports informal boycotts by clinical and non-clinical staff.
The biggest pushback comes from ethical concerns about Palantir’s ties to U.S. defense and intelligence agencies, as well as immigration controls and other controversial geopolitical activities.
There are also ongoing concerns around privacy and data governance in relation to sensitive NHS patient data.
Article continues below
Palantir’s position within the NHS criticized from within
In addition to the above, efforts are also being made in Europe and the UK to reduce their reliance on US technology companies – the US-headquartered company is clearly an indirect target in this geopolitically influenced trend.
The report notes that groups like the British Medical Association (BMA) are encouraging resistance to Palantir’s software, with activists arguing that use of the platform essentially supports the company.
Politicians have already responded to the backlash, agreeing in part with what activists stand for.
MPs say the criticism is about value, transparency and trust – not necessarily ideology – and as such the UK government could consider a break clause in the contract amid the backlash.
Together, Palantir’s NHS and FDP claim to have opened tens of thousands of new operations, reduced waiting times and improved schedules, by combining multiple data sources into a single central database.
However, while politicians appear to be reacting to arguments from NHS workers, 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.
Follow TechRadar on Google News And add us as your favorite source to get our news, reviews and expert opinions in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can too follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form and receive regular updates from us on WhatsApp Also.
