London Protest Targets Palantir's UK Government Contracts
In December 2023, a protest erupted in London against Palantir Technologies, a US tech giant, drawing attention to its controversial deals with the UK government. Demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the company's involvement in sensitive sectors, arguing that these contracts pose a significant threat to data rights and democratic accountability for UK citizens.
Concerns Over Data Rights and Surveillance
Critics, including letter writer Stephen Saunders, assert that the UK government has welcomed Palantir with open arms, despite its polarising reputation. Palantir provides data-fusion and AI platforms used by the US for immigration enforcement and by Israel in the Gaza conflict. Its software is accused of amplifying state power through militarised analytics and opaque algorithms, treating sensitive public information as fuel for systems designed to concentrate control rather than as sacrosanct data.
Saunders emphasises that the current government has not only surrendered citizens' data rights to Palantir but has paid for the privilege. He warns that this represents a broader threat, where the "special relationship" with the US risks curdling into dependency, trading sovereignty for code designed to control.
Contracts Awarded Without Competitive Tender
Disclosures from the Jeffrey Epstein files have shed light on Palantir's expansion within what Saunders describes as an increasingly Americanised and rotten British establishment. Epstein associate Peter Thiel co-founded Palantir, while Epstein's friend, Peter Mandelson, introduced the company to Keir Starmer in Washington. This connection reportedly opened the door for a £330 million NHS contract and a £240 million Ministry of Defence deal, both awarded without competitive tender, raising further alarms about transparency and oversight.
Broader Implications for UK Tech Dependence
In a related letter, Jan Savage from London questions the government's inconsistency in addressing dependencies on US tech giants. While the government is planning alternatives to US-owned payment systems due to fears over potential disruptions under a Trump administration, it shows less concern about heavy reliance on companies like Palantir with close ties to the US administration. This highlights a broader issue of tech sovereignty and the risks of outsourcing critical infrastructure to foreign entities.
The protest and letters underscore a growing movement calling for greater scrutiny of Palantir's role in the UK, urging the government to prioritise data protection and democratic values over expedient tech solutions. As debates continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in balancing technological advancement with fundamental rights.
