Palantir disregards German security apprehensions
In a bid to enhance data analysis for the police, US-based data analysis firm Palantir is currently testing its software in three German federal states: Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hesse. The software, known as Gotham, operates exclusively on police servers and has no internet or external server connection, ensuring data sovereignty and security for police data in Germany.
However, the use of Palantir's technology has sparked significant controversy, with data protectionists raising concerns about potential infringements on fundamental rights, lack of transparency, mass surveillance risks, and legal challenges.
One of the primary concerns is the extensive data mining capabilities of Palantir's software. Critics argue that it may monitor individuals (victims, witnesses, or uninvolved persons) without their knowledge or consent, potentially violating rights to informational self-determination and communication confidentiality protected by the German constitution.
Another issue is the opacity of Palantir’s algorithms, making external auditing and verification for compliance with the GDPR and other data protection laws nearly impossible. This lack of transparency raises fears about unauthorized or excessive data use and a lack of democratic oversight.
Organizations like the Chaos Computer Club view Palantir’s data linking as a "dragnet investigation," where numerous unrelated datasets are combined, raising risks of routine mass surveillance and profile building that affect innocent citizens.
Constitutional complaints have been filed against the use of Palantir in states like Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, while debates within German politics reflect deep division, with conservative parties supporting the software use and others opposing it on privacy grounds.
Despite these concerns, Palantir maintains that its software can assist security agencies in swiftly and effectively responding to current threats such as cybercrime, organized crime, or terrorism. The company also emphasizes that the data handled by their systems are safe and comply with local data security requirements.
Peter Thiel, co-founder of Palantir, is still the chairman of the board of directors but is not involved in the day-to-day operations. Palantir's CEO, Alex Karp, financially supported former US President Joe Biden in his election campaign.
Despite criticism, Palantir has extended invitations for discussions to critics, some of which were not accepted. The Interior Ministry is also examining possible alternatives to Palantir. However, it's important to note that in Bavaria alone, the software analyzes millions of data points involving people who are not listed as suspects, but as witnesses.
In conclusion, while Palantir insists on technical safeguards to keep data within Germany, data protection advocates highlight transparency gaps, risks of broad data profiling, and constitutional rights violations as key issues with the use of Palantir’s police surveillance tools in Germany. The debate continues, with both sides presenting their arguments and concerns.
The Commission, in its role, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the financial resources required for the implementation and maintenance of adequate safety measures and the development of advanced technology solutions to mitigate these risks.
Palantir's CEO, Alex Karp, with his financial support for former US President Joe Biden, brings a significant link between the data analysis firm and political finance in the United States.
