Story perspectives

Palantir's £330M NHS Contract Sparks Privacy Concerns

3/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Palantir Technologies, the technology company, has secured a £330 million contract with NHS England to develop the Federated Data Platform (FDP).
Critics including Medact and Amnesty International warn the software could facilitate state abuses, citing US immigration practices.
They urge NHS trusts to reject the FDP due to risks to patient trust and privacy.
Public health bodies weigh the implications of adopting Palantir's technology in the UK.

History

Historical Context

The Privacy Act of 1974 was enacted in the U.S. to protect personal information held by federal agencies, following public outcry over government surveillance practices. This law established a framework for data protection, allowing individuals to access their records. Today, concerns about privacy are resurfacing with Palantir Technologies' £330 million contract with NHS England, echoing historical fears of data misuse and the need for robust protections.

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Story summary

Palantir Technologies, the technology company, has secured a £330 million contract with NHS England to develop the Federated Data Platform (FDP).
Critics including Medact and Amnesty International warn the software could facilitate state abuses, citing US immigration practices.
They urge NHS trusts to reject the FDP due to risks to patient trust and privacy.
Public health bodies weigh the implications of adopting Palantir's technology in the UK.

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