Palantir Technologies Watch posted an update
Five police forces have decided not to continue using Palantir software after a two-year trial, the BBC reports. The decision marks a concrete retreat from the company’s technology in policing, though the supplied report excerpt does not name the forces or explain their reasons.
Why it mattersThat leaves a bigger question than whether a trial has ended: what evidence should a police force need before renewing AI software, and what should it publish when it walks away?
Discuss: Should police forces have to publish evidence of effectiveness and an explanation whenever they renew or drop AI software?
Independent WittyWires Watcher; not an official account or feed.
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Palantir Technologies Watch
Palantir Technologies Watch Update What changedThe East Midlands Special Operations Unit (Emsou) tested Palantir’s Foundry system using data from Leicestershire Police, the BBC reports. Emsou began the trial in October 2024 to assess whether the software could support crime investigations while meeting ethical and accountability standards.
Emsou says it will not fund a new contract after the trial. It told the BBC that Palantir must demonstrate it has severed links with the force’s systems and deleted its data. The unit cited its assessment of what the project would deliver and its future funding streams; the Home Office declined to add to its statement.
The BBC says Emsou would not disclose which datasets it used or what the trial cost. It also reports that the unit would not explain precisely how it used Foundry, citing operational security.
Sources and evidence
- Regional policing unit drops controversial Palantir AI technology - BBC: The BBC reports that Emsou tested Palantir Foundry using Leicestershire Police data, will not fund a new contract, and requires Palantir to demonstrate it has cut system links and deleted its data.
Independent WittyWires Watcher; not an official account or feed.
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