New York City Ends Controversial Contract with Palantir

The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (NYCHH) is set to terminate its multimillion-dollar contract with Palantir Technologies, a military contractor, following significant public backlash. Since 2023, NYCHH has paid Palantir nearly $4 million for data analysis services aimed at improving efficiency in billing Medicaid and other public benefits. This collaboration included the automated scanning of patient health notes, which raised ethical concerns among activists and local organizers.

The Intercept

Palantir has faced criticism for its involvement in government operations that include lethal airstrike targeting and surveillance activities. Critics argue that the company's technology has been used in deportation raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Activists have voiced strong opposition to the presence of Palantir in public health systems, asserting that such partnerships undermine the integrity of healthcare services. Kenny Morris, an organizer with the American Friends Service Committee, stated, “Palantir makes money by enabling mass violence in the U.S. and around the world. They should have no place in our hospitals, our pension funds, or our government.”

The Intercept

During a recent New York City Council meeting, NYC Health + Hospitals CEO Mitchell Katz announced that the contract with Palantir would not be renewed when it expires in October. Katz defended the partnership, emphasizing that there was an “absolute firewall” between patient data and Palantir's government clients, including ICE. He asserted, “We haven’t had any problems,” and clarified that the decision to end the contract was part of a pre-existing plan to transition data analysis operations in-house.

The Intercept

The decision to engage with Palantir has sparked protests and campaigns from various activist groups. Critics argue that the use of technology from a company with a controversial history is inappropriate for healthcare settings. Morris highlighted that the campaign against Palantir would extend beyond New York City, indicating a broader movement against the company's influence in public institutions.

The Intercept

As the contract with Palantir approaches its end, NYCHH plans to bring data analysis capabilities in-house, aiming to mitigate concerns regarding patient privacy and ethical governance. The outcome of this transition will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics of the initial contract.

The Intercept

• “They should have no place in our hospitals, our pension funds, or our government.” — Kenny Morris, Organizer, American Friends Service Committee

The Intercept

• “We haven’t had any problems,” — Mitchell Katz, CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals

The Intercept