London Mayor Sadiq Khan has reportedly blocked a proposed contract between the Metropolitan Police and the controversial US data analytics firm Palantir. This intervention comes after significant pressure from Palestine solidarity campaigners and civil liberties advocates, who had raised serious concerns regarding the company's operations and alleged connections.
Campaign groups, including Palestine Action and the Stop Palantir coalition, had urged the Mayor to prevent the deal, highlighting Palantir's reported involvement with Israeli military intelligence. They argued that contracting with such a company would compromise public trust and potentially implicate the Met in unethical practices, given the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the firm's data surveillance capabilities.
Palantir, co-founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, is known for its sophisticated data integration and analysis software, which it supplies to government agencies and intelligence services worldwide. While the company already holds contracts with various UK public bodies, including a significant deal with the National Health Service (NHS), its potential involvement with the Met Police sparked particular controversy due to the sensitive nature of policing and the strong public sentiment surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The reported decision by Mayor Khan to block the contract is seen as a victory for the campaigners, who have consistently voiced their opposition to the expansion of surveillance technology in policing, especially when linked to companies with controversial international operations. The Mayor's office has not yet issued an official statement confirming the block, but reports indicate the decision has been communicated to the relevant parties.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police had previously stated that a procurement process was underway to secure new technology to enhance data analysis and operational effectiveness. They emphasised the importance of ensuring any new system met stringent ethical and legal standards, while also improving the force's ability to protect Londoners. The reported blocking of the Palantir deal suggests the Met will now need to explore alternative solutions for its data infrastructure needs.