NHS Grants Unlimited Access to Patient Data for Palantir and Contractors

In May 2026 NHS England created an “admin” role giving external contractors—including Palantir staff—unlimited access to identifiable patient records in the National Data Integration Tenant (NDIT), the pre-pseudonymisation of the Federated Data Platform (FDP). This replaces case-by-case data-set approvals.

TechRadarNHS allows external contractors access to identifiable patient data, says reportPalantir to be granted ‘unlimited access’ to NHS patient dataReutersThe GuardianNHS gives Palantir wider access to patient data amid growing backlashPalantir faces renewed scrutiny over NHS data access£330m NHS data platform gives external contractors unlimited patient data access

Palantir won a £330 million 2023 contract to build the FDP, linking fragmented NHS datasets. Briefing in April 2026 warned of “risk of loss of public confidence”. The FT disclosed the admin role on 11 May 2026; parliamentary questions followed.

NHS allows external contractors access to identifiable patient data, says report

The decision involves NHS England, Palantir (CEO Alex Karp, Peter Thiel), MPs Rachael Maskell and Martin Wrigley, the Patients Association (Rachel Power) and Saif Abed. Critics cite Palantir’s US defence and immigration links.

£330m NHS data platform gives external contractors unlimited patient data access

The briefing notes “public interest and concern” about Palantir staff access. A Guardian poll shows over two-thirds of UK adults uneasy about Palantir’s contracts and 40 % distrust its handling of NHS data. FDP contract includes a break clause before February 2027.

£330m NHS data platform gives external contractors unlimited patient data access

Unlimited access to identifiable health records raises the risk of breaches, threatens confidence and invites scrutiny. Legal analysts warn expanding privileged access can erode auditability, a concern amplified after the UK Biobank scandal.

NHS Palantir Patient Data Dispute Raises Legal Questions Over Contractor Access

NHS England says workers need security clearance, approval and are subject to policies and audits; Palantir says it is a “data processor”, that its software can only act on NHS instructions, and that other use would be illegal and technically impossible.

Palantir to be granted ‘unlimited access’ to NHS patient data

MPs Maskell and Wrigley called role “cavalier”, saying it lacks security-by-design; Patients Association demanded “transparency, clear boundaries … and consultation”. Saif Abed warned admin compromise could trigger a breach of “unseen proportions”. Tom Hegarty said Palantir “fails the trust test”.

Palantir to be granted ‘unlimited access’ to NHS patient data

NHS statements stress that only a “small number” of external staff will receive the admin role, but the FT briefing describes the permission as “unlimited access” and flags a risk to confidence. The briefing also recommends capping admin numbers, making the permission time-limited and subject to regular review. Reuters noted neither NHS England nor Palantir responded to comment requests, leaving unverified. No breach has been reported.

Palantir to be granted ‘unlimited access’ to NHS patient data

• “This is not only about Palantir, hence we have referred to non-NHSE staff, but there is currently considerable public interest and concern about how much access to patient data Palantir/Palantir staff have,” — Internal NHS briefing

Palantir to be granted ‘unlimited access’ to NHS patient data

• “As Palantir get their claws deeper into our NHS data we can see how it is opening it up to greater private interest. This is a dangerous development and I ask the government to get a grip on this project before it is too late.” — Rachael Maskell, MP

The Guardian

• “transparency, clear boundaries around access to their data, and to be consulted when changes to those agreements are proposed” — Rachel Power, Patients Association

The Guardian