Data flow technically barred from Palantir's operations, company argues in defense
In Germany, the use of Palantir's data analysis software by the police has sparked a heated debate, with concerns over data security and privacy at the forefront.
The police have full control over Palantir programs, deciding who can access them. These programs are exclusively operated on police servers in Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Hesse. Palantir, a US firm, defends against allegations of inadequate data security in the use of its software, asserting that data outflow to the US or other unauthorized access is "technically excluded" and that police data remains stored within Germany.
However, privacy and civil rights groups remain skeptical. They argue that Palantir’s software enables extensive data mining and surveillance with limited transparency and oversight, possibly infringing on constitutional rights related to informational self-determination and communication confidentiality. Critics worry about potential indirect access by US intelligence, given Palantir’s US origin and opaque software design.
The Palantir spokesperson described the discussion about the use of Gotham in Germany as emotional and often based on incomplete or false assumptions. It's worth noting that there is no internet or external server connection for Palantir programs used by German police, ensuring data stays within their jurisdiction. Transfer or leakage of data from Palantir programs used by German police to the USA is technically impossible, according to a company spokesperson.
The controversy surrounding Palantir has been fueled by the political preferences of company founder Peter Thiel, who supported US President Donald Trump in his election campaign. Despite this, Palantir considers itself largely unchallenged in its field.
The software can only be used to prevent crimes, not for subsequent clarification. Changes in respective state laws were necessary for the use of Palantir software. The Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) will still examine the use of Palantir software, while some states reject its use. On the other hand, the green-black coalition in Baden-Württemberg has agreed to use the Palantir software in the southwest after an internal dispute.
Legal challenges and political debates continue in Germany about Palantir’s use by police, reflecting ongoing unease despite the company’s assurances. Among the analyzable data are information about people who are not listed as suspects but as witnesses, potentially involving millions of data in Bavaria alone. Dobrindt's ministry is also examining possible alternatives to Palantir.
References: 1. Palantir assures data security in Germany 2. Privacy concerns over Palantir's police software 3. Fears of US intelligence access 4. Ongoing legal and political debates 5. Palantir disputes claims of data leakage risk
- Despite Palantir's assurance of technical impossibility, privacy and civil rights groups continue to question the data security of Palantir's software when used by the German police.
- The American origins of Palantir and the opaque software design have fueled concerns about potential indirect access by US intelligence, adding a political dimension to the debate.
- The use of Palantir's software by the police in Germany has sparked legal challenges and political debates, with focus on issues such as data privacy, policy-and-legislation, and the role of technology in general-news.
