Palantir, a U.S. data firm collaborating with the Israeli Defense Department, criticized British doctors for prioritizing “ideology over patient interests” following backlash against its contract to manage NHS data.
Louis Mosley, executive vice president of Palantir, recently addressed the British Medical Association, which labeled the £330 million agreement to create a unified platform for NHS data—covering everything from patient information to bed availability—as a potential threat to public trust in the NHS data system.
In a formal resolution, the association expressed concerns over the unclear processing of sensitive data by Palantir, a company co-founded by Trump donor Peter Thiel. They highlighted the firm’s “study on discriminatory policing software in the U.S.” and its “close ties with the U.S. government, which often overlooks international law.”
However, Mosley dismissed these critiques during his testimony to lawmakers on the Commons Science and Technology Committee on Tuesday. Palantir has also secured contracts for processing large-scale data for the Ministry of Defense, police, and local governments.
Libertarian Thiel, who named the company after “Seeing Stones” from the Lord of the Rings series, previously remarked that British citizens’ admiration for the NHS reflects “Stockholm syndrome.” However, Mosley claimed he was not speaking on behalf of Palantir.
Palantir also develops AI-driven military targeting systems and software that consolidates and analyzes data across multiple systems, including healthcare.
“It’s incorrect to accuse us of lacking transparency or that we operate in secrecy,” claimed Mosley. “I believe the BMA has chosen ideology over the interests of patients. Our software aims to enhance patient care by streamlining treatment, making it more effective, and ultimately improving the efficiency of the healthcare system.”
In 2023, the government awarded Palantir a contract to establish a new NHS “Federated Data Platform,” though some local NHS trusts have raised concerns that the system might not only be subpar compared to existing technologies but could also diminish functionality, as reported. Palantir is also among the tech companies reported by the Guardian last week, which recently led to a discussion with Attorney General Shabana Mahmood about solutions for the prison and probation crisis, including robotic support for prisoners and tracking devices.
During the session, Senator Chi Onwurah questioned the appropriateness of involving the company in the NHS while also working with the Israeli Defense Forces in military applications in Gaza.
Mosley did not disclose operational specifics regarding Palantir’s role with Israeli authorities. Their offerings include a system labeled “supporting soldiers with AI-driven kill chains and responsibly integrating target identification.”
Onwurah remarked on the necessity for cultural change within the NHS to foster acceptance of new data systems, posing the question to Mosley: “What about a unified patient record in the future?”
“Trust should depend more on our capabilities than anything else,” Mosley responded. “Are we delivering on our promises? Are we improving patient experiences by making them quicker and more efficient? If so, we should be trusted.”
Liberal Democrat Martin Wrigley expressed serious concerns about the interoperability of the data systems provided by Palantir for both health and defense, while Conservative MP Kit Malthouse inquired about the military’s potential use of Palantir’s capacity to process large datasets to target individuals based on specific characteristics. Mosley reassured: “Our software enables that type of functionality and provides extensive governance and control to organizations managing those risks.”
Malthouse remarked, “It sounds like a Savior.”
The hearing also revealed that Palantir continues to engage Global Counsel, a lobbying firm co-founded by the current U.S. ambassador. Mosley denied any claims that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Palantir’s Washington, D.C. office “through appropriate channels,” clarifying that Mandelson resigned as a global advisor “in early 2025.” According to the consultant’s website.
Source: www.theguardian.com
