tech
Met gets extension to Palantir AI project after Sadiq Khan blocked deal
Mayor’s office grants extra 12 months to run pilot while London force procures long-term supplier
TL;DR
- The Metropolitan Police have been granted a 12-month extension for their pilot project with Palantir.
- This extension allows the force to continue using the AI system while a procurement process for a long-term supplier takes place.
- The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, previously blocked a £50m deal with Palantir, citing a breach of procurement rules.
- Palantir's lawyers indicated an intention to challenge the Mayor's decision in court.
- The Met's Assistant Commissioner, Rachel Williams, stated the system helps strengthen professional standards, root out misconduct, and increase public confidence by bringing together lawfully held data.
- The pilot project has already identified potential conduct issues that are now being progressed.
- The Met aims to use technology to streamline administrative processes, close budget gaps, and free up officers.
- Commissioner Mark Rowley highlighted the pilot's success in proactively identifying problem individuals or patterns, spotting risks earlier, and intervening before harm occurs.
- A Palantir spokesperson expressed pride in the software's effectiveness in identifying officer misconduct and committed to helping the Met uphold high standards.