Palantir NHS Deal: Data Fears & Reform UK’s ‘ICE Raid’ Plan

Concerns are mounting over the potential for misuse of patient data within the NHS England’s Federated Data Platform (FDP), a £330 million contract awarded to the data analytics firm Palantir Technologies in 2023. A recent briefing from the health justice charity Medact warns that the platform’s interoperability could facilitate “data-driven state abuses of power,” echoing anxieties about the company’s existing work with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the potential for similar practices to be adopted in the UK, particularly given policy proposals from Reform UK.

Palantir’s Role and the Federated Data Platform

The NHS is pushing for widespread adoption of the FDP, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting framing it as a crucial step in bringing the health service “into the digital age.” However, Palantir’s history and the nature of its technology are fueling debate. Founded by Peter Thiel and Alex Karp, the company has built a reputation for providing data analytics tools used in various sectors, including defense and intelligence. The FDP aims to integrate disparate health datasets onto a single platform, ostensibly to improve operational efficiency and patient care. Palantir claims the software is already contributing to positive outcomes, citing 100,000 additional operations, a 12% reduction in discharge delays, and the removal of 675,000 patients from waiting lists. The Guardian reports on these claims.

Concerns About Data Sharing and Potential for Abuse

The core of the concern lies in Palantir’s software’s ability to compile and analyze data across different departments. Medact’s briefing highlights the risk that a future government could leverage the FDP to access patient data for purposes beyond healthcare, potentially mirroring the practices of ICE in the United States. ICE utilizes Palantir software for cross-governmental data analysis, including health data, to track individuals. In the UK, the Reform party has proposed plans for a similar system, outlining intentions to share data between the Home Office, NHS, HMRC, DVLA, banks, and the police. The Guardian details these proposals.

Palantir maintains that it has “no intention of and no means of using the data in the way that the Medact report is suggesting,” asserting that any such use would be illegal and a breach of contract. However, critics point to the software’s “drag and drop” capabilities, arguing that a change in legislation could allow future governments to bypass current restrictions. This is particularly relevant given Reform UK’s commitment to facilitating “mass deportation” through expanded data sharing.

Local Responses and Growing Opposition

The concerns are not confined to national advocacy groups. Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (ICB), responsible for healthcare decision-making for 2.8 million people, has deferred adopting the FDP, citing concerns about value for money and potential damage to public trust. The ICB concluded that its existing local data capabilities already exceeded what the FDP offered. Over 50,000 patients have written to local trust boards urging them not to adopt the platform, according to Dr. Rhiannon Osborne from Medact. The Financial Times reports on this pushback.

Palantir’s Existing UK Government Contracts

Palantir’s involvement in the UK public sector extends beyond the NHS. The company’s software is currently used by UK police forces and the Ministry of Defence. A company source confirmed that Palantir actively engages with and consults the UK government on policy matters, and vice versa, suggesting a close relationship that raises further questions about potential influence.

The Broader Context of Data and Surveillance

Medact’s briefing frames the FDP as part of a broader trend towards increased data collection and surveillance in the UK. The report expresses concern that the platform could weaken patient trust and undermine locally tailored data solutions. The debate highlights the tension between the potential benefits of data-driven healthcare and the need to protect patient privacy and civil liberties. The interoperable nature of Palantir’s software, while intended to streamline data access, also creates vulnerabilities that could be exploited for purposes beyond healthcare.

Palantir insists that control over data usage remains firmly with the NHS, and that data processing is strictly governed by their instructions. However, the potential for future misuse, particularly in light of evolving political landscapes and policy proposals, continues to fuel opposition to the FDP.

Looking Ahead: The future of the FDP remains uncertain. NHS England will likely face continued pressure from advocacy groups and concerned citizens to address the transparency and accountability concerns surrounding the platform. Ongoing scrutiny of Palantir’s contracts and its relationship with the UK government will be crucial to ensuring that patient data is protected and used responsibly. Further debate is expected regarding the balance between data-driven innovation and the safeguarding of fundamental rights.