Key Points
- Opposition is intensifying in Hackney against a potential contract between Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and US tech firm Palantir Technologies to manage NHS patient data.
- The Hackney Coalition Against Palantir, formed last month, has staged protests outside Homerton University Hospital following revelations that Palantir’s NHS-approved software could be deployed locally.
- Palantir, co-founded in 2003 by tech entrepreneur and Trump donor Peter Thiel, specialises in data analysis for military and law enforcement, raising ethical concerns.
- Controversial ties include a January 2024 “strategic partnership” with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) for “war-related missions” and contracts with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) used in Trump’s immigration policies.
- Palantir CEO Alex Karp stated he is “exceedingly proud” of the company’s role in “operationally crucial operations in Israel.”
- Marion Macalpine of Hackney Keep Our NHS Public (KONP) and the coalition warned that Palantir’s involvement contradicts the trust’s ethical commitments on diversity and ethics.
- Concerns centre on the security and ethical handling of personal health data for local patients.
- Palantir secured a £330 million, seven-year deal with NHS England in 2023 to develop the Federated Data Platform (FDP), a national data management system.
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust faces mounting local backlash as plans emerge for a data contract with Palantir Technologies, the controversial US firm known for its military and surveillance work.
Protestors from the newly formed Hackney Coalition Against Palantir gathered outside Homerton University Hospital last month, as pictured by Pauline Moon, voicing fears over patient data privacy and the company’s ethical track record. The coalition learned of the potential deal involving Palantir’s NHS-approved software, prompting urgent calls for the trust to reconsider.
Palantir, valued at billions and co-founded by Peter Thiel—a prominent tech entrepreneur and donor to Donald Trump—has built its reputation on advanced data analytics for defence and policing. Local activists argue these ties make it unfit to handle sensitive NHS data.
Who Is Palantir Technologies and Why the Controversy?
Palantir Technologies emerged in 2003, focusing on big data solutions for government clients. As reported by EastLondonLines, the firm has secured high-profile contracts with military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Peter Thiel, its co-founder, remains a key figure, known for his political donations and libertarian views. The company’s work extends to contentious areas, amplifying public scrutiny.
Central to the opposition are Palantir’s links to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). In January 2024, Palantir and the IDF announced a “strategic partnership” explicitly for “war-related missions,” according to coalition statements covered by EastLondonLines.
CEO Alex Karp publicly endorsed this involvement. As quoted in EastLondonLines reporting, Alex Karp stated he is “exceedingly proud” of Palantir’s contributions to what he termed “operationally crucial operations in Israel.”
Further concerns stem from Palantir’s US contracts. The firm provided technology to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reportedly aiding President Trump’s immigration crackdown, as noted in Hackney Coalition Against Palantir materials linked via keepournhspublic.com.
These associations have led campaigners to label Palantir’s ethics as incompatible with NHS values.
What Sparked the Hackney Coalition Against Palantir?
The Hackney Coalition Against Palantir formed last month in direct response to the Homerton trust’s consideration of Palantir software. Details emerged via Hackney Coalition Against Palantir, highlighting the group’s protests outside Homerton University Hospital.
Affiliated with Hackney Keep Our NHS Public (KONP), the coalition demands transparency and ethical scrutiny.
As reported by EastLondonLines, Marion Macalpine, an active KONP member and key coalition organiser, emphasised the stakes. Marion Macalpine told EastLondonLines they want the trust
“to consider how far all of this fits in their own ethical statements around diversity and around ethics because, to us, it certainly seems like it goes against all their ethical commitments.”
She added:
“[It] affects all of us because it’s about our personal health data and we are not happy that Palantir might, if they sign this contract, have the management of [patient’s healthcare] data.”
The coalition describes Palantir’s IDF and ICE ties as “deeply concerning,” urging Homerton Healthcare to reject any local contract.
Photographic evidence from Pauline Moon captures the demonstrations, showing community resolve amid growing opposition.
What Is the Proposed Contract with Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust?
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is evaluating Palantir’s software as part of broader NHS digitalisation efforts. While specifics of a local deal remain unconfirmed, the potential use of Palantir’s tools for patient data management has ignited protests.
This follows Palantir’s national footprint. In 2023, the corporation signed a £330 million deal with NHS England for a seven-year project to build the Federated Data Platform (FDP), a centralised system for aggregating health data.
Campaigners fear local implementation could expose Hackney patients’ records to the same firm criticised globally.
Homerton has not publicly detailed negotiations, but coalition sources, as covered by EastLondonLines, indicate the trust’s interest in Palantir’s NHS-approved platform.
How Does Palantir’s National NHS Deal Fit In?
Palantir’s £330 million Federated Data Platform contract with NHS England, inked in 2023, sets the context for local concerns. The FDP aims to streamline data sharing across the health service over seven years.
As per EastLondonLines and coalition reports, this national agreement paves the way for trusts like Homerton to adopt Palantir tech regionally.
Critics, including the Hackney Coalition, argue it normalises a firm with divisive partnerships. The IDF “strategic partnership” in January 2024 and ICE collaborations underscore risks to data ethics.
Alex Karp’s pride in Israel operations, as quoted, fuels demands for NHS bodies to prioritise patient trust over corporate efficiency.
What Ethical Concerns Are Hackney Residents Raising?
Local opposition hinges on ethics. Marion Macalpine, as reported by EastLondonLines, spotlighted Homerton’s own commitments:
“to consider how far all of this fits in their own ethical statements around diversity and around ethics.”
The coalition views Palantir’s military work—IDF war missions and Trump-era deportations—as clashing with public health principles.
Personal data security looms large. Macalpine stressed:
“it’s about our personal health data and we are not happy that Palantir might… have the management of [patient’s healthcare] data.”
Hackney’s diverse community amplifies these worries, with protests underscoring fears of surveillance creep into healthcare.
What Is Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Position?
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has not issued a direct response to the protests in available coverage. EastLondonLines notes the trust’s exploration of Palantir software aligns with NHS England’s FDP rollout.
No statements from trust leaders appear in coalition materials or linked sources. Campaigners await clarification on ethical vetting.
The trust’s silence contrasts with vocal community action, as pictured by Pauline Moon.
How Has Palantir Responded to Past Criticisms?
Palantir executives have defended their work. CEO Alex Karp’s comment on Israel—“exceedingly proud” of “operationally crucial operations”—signals unapologetic stance, per EastLondonLines.
The firm positions its tech as vital for national security, extending to health data efficiency. No specific rebuttal to Hackney protests emerges from sources.
What Broader Implications Does This Hold for the NHS?
This local row reflects national debates on NHS privatisation and tech ethics. Palantir’s £330m FDP deal exemplifies US firms’ growing NHS role, sparking wider scrutiny.
Hackney Coalition Against Palantir draws parallels to global resistance, citing IDF and ICE ties as red flags for data sovereignty.
As protests continue, questions persist on balancing innovation with ethics in public health.
