tech
Sadiq Khan may try to stop Scotland Yard signing Palantir contract
Exclusive: Mayor raises concerns about using public money to support firms ‘who act contrary to London’s values’
TL;DR
- Sadiq Khan's office has stated he would have concerns about using public money for firms acting contrary to London's values.
- Palantir has held talks with the Metropolitan Police for a potentially multi-million pound contract for its AI systems.
- Khan's approval is required for procurement deals over £500,000.
- The company has faced widespread criticism and calls to be blocked from UK contracts, including for its work with ICE and the Israeli military.
- Palantir has existing contracts with the NHS and the Ministry of Defence.
- Internal dissent exists within Palantir regarding its work for controversial clients and its founder's statements.
- Palantir argues its software is effective and delivers real benefits, citing improvements in the NHS and police investigations.
- The Met is already using Palantir's AI tools to detect rogue officers, but that contract was below the mayor's approval threshold.