Campaigners warn NHS Palantir data platform could enable government access to patient records

Campaigners have raised alarm over the potential for the NHS's new Federated Data Platform (FDP), built by US tech firm Palantir, to enable government departments to access confidential patient information. A report by medical campaign group Medact, endorsed by legal and privacy organizations including Good Law Project, Privacy International, and Amnesty International, warns that the £330 million, seven-year contract could facilitate data sharing between health services and agencies such as the Home Office and police.

The report argues that consolidating disparate health datasets onto a single Palantir platform could make it easier for government departments to move sensitive information around. It highlights Palantir's work with controversial agencies like US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and cites evidence of "significant cross-department data compiling and analysis" that could enable "data-driven abuses of state power."

Medact's report is designed to inform NHS organizations about the rollout of the FDP across England, emphasizing that local health bodies can still raise concerns or decline to implement the platform. The group contends there are "many more suitable options for data management solutions" than Palantir's system.

Palantir has strongly rejected these claims, stating that using the FDP in the manner described would be "illegal and in breach of contract." A company spokesperson emphasized that data processing is entirely under NHS control and that the platform is already delivering benefits, including helping to deliver 100,000 additional operations and reducing discharge delays by 12 percent.

NHS England reports that over 120 trusts have signed up to use the platform, with 72 already live as part of a phased rollout. However, some Integrated Care Boards have expressed reservations. Manchester ICB recently postponed adopting the FDP for a second time, citing concerns that its local data analytics capacity exceeds what the platform currently offers.

The controversy reflects broader tensions over the use of sensitive health data and the involvement of private tech companies in public healthcare infrastructure. While Palantir maintains its system improves patient care and operational efficiency, campaigners worry about the potential for mission creep and government overreach in accessing medical records.

As the FDP continues its rollout across England's NHS, the debate highlights the delicate balance between leveraging technology for healthcare improvements and protecting patient privacy from potential government access.