U.S. tech giant Palantir has emphasized the importance of data security, saying it can be a “matter of life and death” amid concerns about the control of patient data by private companies. The firm recently secured a £330 million contract to develop the new NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP), aiming to facilitate improved collaboration and service provision among health and care organizations for patients.
Despite the contract award, some MPs have raised concerns about the implications of Palantir’s involvement in the deal and how patient data will be utilized. Palantir’s executive vice-president for the UK and Europe, Louis Mosley, defended the company’s role, stating that data security and controlled access to health information can be critical for safeguarding lives.
The software developed by Palantir will enable NHS professionals to integrate data from various hospital systems while ensuring that access is restricted to authorized staff members as necessary. The company was co-founded by tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel and is supported by Accenture, PwC, NECS, and Carnall Farrar under the NHS contract.
NHS England has assured that no company involved in the Federated Data Platform will be able to access health and care data without explicit permission from the NHS. However, Steve Brine, chairman of the Health and Social Care Committee and a Tory MP, has called for greater transparency and clear communication regarding the platform’s functions and data usage to address public concerns effectively.