Briefing paper warns NHS Trusts to refuse Federated Data Platform

Health justice charity Medact has warned that the £330 million contract awarded to Palantir to deliver the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) could enable government abuses of power. A briefing document backed by human rights groups and medical professionals indicates that the software’s interoperability creates a risk of US-style immigration raids. In the US, Palantir technology is used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to track individuals through cross-governmental data analysis. Critics fear a future UK government could similarly mandate data sharing between the NHS, Home Office, and police to facilitate mass deportations.

While the government maintains the FDP will modernise the NHS, the Medact briefing urges hospital trusts to decline the platform, citing a potential collapse in patient trust. Already, over 50,000 patients have petitioned local boards against adoption. 

Palantir denies the claims, stating it has no means or intention of using data in such a way, as this would be illegal and a breach of contract. The company highlights that its software has already helped reduce waiting lists and discharge delays. 

Training Announcement: Freevacy offers a range of independent data protection qualifications from IAPP and BCS. Our certified courses are available at foundation and practitioner levels and cover multiple legal jurisdictions, data protection operations management, and the implementation of complex privacy solutions in technical environments. Find out more.