Patient distrust of Palantir’s NHS data platform could jeopardise care, watchdog warns

The National Data Guardian has cautioned that eroding public confidence in Palantir’s Federated Data Platform threatens its ability to improve NHS services. The system aggregates hospital information to streamline waiting lists, operating theatre scheduling and discharge planning, and now also incorporates GP records. Since the contract’s award, opt-out requests have risen sharply, with roughly 60,000 additional patients withdrawing between mid-May and mid-July, a trend linked to recent media scrutiny.

While Palantir asserts that all data remain under NHS control in the UK, a YouGov poll found 76 % of adults deem US tech firms handling NHS data unacceptable. Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, appointed as Palantir’s UK senior vice-president, defended the company, accusing the watchdog of overlooking facts and of being swayed by campaign groups. The contract, worth up to £330 million over seven years, is due for renewal next year, and the decision will rest with Prime Minister Andy Burnham after parliamentary committees advised against extension.