Palantir Challenges £50 Million London Police Contract Rejection in High Court

U.S. technology firm Palantir has launched a legal challenge in London's High Court, arguing that the London mayor’s office unlawfully blocked a £50 million ($67.1 million) contract with the Metropolitan Police by improperly considering the company's “values and ethics.” The dispute highlights growing scrutiny of the data analytics company's role with government agencies in Europe.

The Disputed Contract

The proposed two-year contract would have involved the Metropolitan Police using Palantir's artificial intelligence systems for evidence analysis in criminal investigations and to automate certain administrative tasks. According to Palantir's lawyer, David Pannick, the police force “desperately needed technology in order to save money” and to protect frontline services.

However, the mayor’s office refused to approve the deal in May. The official reason provided to the police force was a failure to conduct an open and competitive procurement process. The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime stated in court filings that its decision was based on the Met not obtaining approval for its procurement strategy and consulting only one supplier.

Palantir contends the rejection was influenced by other factors. The company criticized reports quoting a spokesperson for Mayor Sadiq Khan who cited concerns that Palantir did not align with “London’s values,” calling it an instance of “putting politics above public safety.”

Broader Scrutiny in the UK

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This legal battle occurs amid wider concerns in the UK and Europe over Palantir's government work. The company's software supply for the U.S. military and immigration services, along with the political views of its billionaire co-founder Peter Thiel, have drawn criticism.

This is not the only Palantir contract facing headwinds in Britain:

• A separate £330 million contract with the National Health Service (NHS) is currently under a government review.
• A parliamentary committee last month stated Palantir had a “clear mismatch with UK values” and recommended that the government use a break clause in its NHS agreement.

Palantir’s British CEO, Louis Mosley, previously called the committee's suggestion “irresponsible.” A judge has scheduled the trial for Palantir’s case against the mayor's office for January, rejecting the company's request for an earlier hearing.