Privacy groups demand explanations on discussions between Palantir and UK NHS

 

After it was revealed that Palantir and the UK National Health Service were in discussion regarding a partnership to analyze health data in bulk as part of the coronavirus response, Open Rights Group and Privacy International emphasised the impact on trust in the NHS’s anti-COVID-19 measures this may have, without full transparency and safeguards over the companies’ role. Jim Killock, Executive Director of Open Rights Group, stated that “Palantir have a poor reputation, as engaging in activities which threaten personal privacy and may lead to other human rights abuses. The NHS therefore needs to be extremely cautious and transparent in its dealings with Palantir. They must explain how people’s data may be handled and protected and how they will ensure that Palantir does not acquire or abuse information”.