Metropolitan Police Faces Controversy Over AI Deal with Palantir
Inside the Met Police’s £750 million tech force and its battle to use AI

Image: Metro
The Metropolitan Police of London is embroiled in a controversy over a proposed £50 million contract with AI company Palantir, aimed at enhancing criminal investigations. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, blocked the deal citing budget and ethical concerns, particularly regarding Palantir's involvement in human rights violations.
- 01The Metropolitan Police has spent £744 million on IT systems over the past three years.
- 02Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel, has contracts with various UK public institutions, including a £330 million deal with NHS England.
- 03The Mayor's office raised concerns about the procurement process and the ethical implications of using Palantir's services.
- 04Palantir's tools have previously assisted in uncovering misconduct within the Met, leading to multiple investigations of officers.
- 05The Met argues that the blocked contract would hinder their ability to innovate and respond effectively to crime.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Metropolitan Police Service (Met Police) in London is facing a significant internal battle regarding a proposed £50 million contract with the American tech firm Palantir. This deal is intended to enhance the police's capabilities in criminal investigations through advanced data analysis. However, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has blocked the contract due to serious concerns about its procurement process and ethical implications, particularly regarding Palantir's controversial history with human rights violations. The Met has invested £744 million in IT systems over the past three years, but the Mayor's office insists that the police did not adequately demonstrate value for money in their dealings with Palantir. Critics, including human rights organizations, have voiced strong opposition to Palantir's involvement in British public life, citing its role in military operations and immigration enforcement in the U.S. The Met Police argues that the tools provided by Palantir are crucial for modern policing, helping to uncover misconduct and improve efficiency in investigations. The ongoing dispute highlights the tension between technological advancement in law enforcement and ethical governance.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The blocking of the Palantir deal could limit the Metropolitan Police's ability to utilize advanced technology for crime investigations, potentially affecting public safety.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Should the Met Police be allowed to use AI technology in criminal investigations?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.





