NHS Federated Data Platform

The UK's statistical regulator has urged NHS England to improve transparency and accuracy in data claims about the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP), developed by Palantir. Campaign group Foxglove highlighted discrepancies, including a reported 84% drop in outpatient waiting lists at one hospital and conflicting data on procedure increases, prompting the regulator to assess NHS England's data practices.

NHS patients in England cannot opt out of Palantir's NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) data processing, but individual NHS trusts can choose to avoid using it. Palantir's role in the FDP has faced scrutiny over data access risks and political pressure to end its involvement, with the government deciding this year whether to extend its contract beyond 2027.

Palantir has won a £9 million UK government contract to replace the National Firearms Licensing Management System, managing records for firearms, explosives, and poisons. The contract, which could extend for up to ten years, involves 43 police forces in England and Wales and may include Police Scotland and PSNI. Palantir's selection has drawn criticism due to its CIA-backed origins and controversial contracts with the NHS and Ministry of Defence.

Peter Mandelson, UK former ambassador to the US, invited Prime Minister Kier Starmer to meet Palantir founder Peter Thiel. Palantir secured significant UK government contracts, including £60 million in NHS deals during the pandemic and a £330 million NHS Federated Data Platform contract. Mandelson co-founded Global Counsel, which lobbied for Palantir, and communications show coordination between Mandelson, Palantir executives, and UK officials.