Disagreement exists within Germany’s governing coalition regarding the deployment of data analysis software developed by the US company Palantir within German security agencies.
Marc Henrichmann, Chairman of the German Parliament’s intelligence control committee, stated the need to remain open to functional systems while concurrently developing independent domestic capabilities. He emphasized that German police require effective analytical tools to protect the population, adding that the Palantir software already utilized by some regional police forces is an analytical tool, not a means of espionage. However, he also cautioned against long-term dependence on foreign providers.
Sebastian Fiedler, a member of parliament for the Social Democratic Party (SPD), expressed concern that German security interests are significantly compromised. He argued that utilizing Palantir supports a prominent opponent of democracy – referencing Palantir founder Peter Thiel – and creates dependence on a US company within a critical technology sector. This, he claims, disadvantages German companies who have historically lost out on related contracts.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior is pursuing a nationwide implementation of data analysis software as part of the “P20” project, aimed at restructuring and networking police forces. However, a ministry spokesperson clarified that the evaluation process is based purely on the technical requirements of the police and not on consideration of specific products.
Federal security agencies are pressing for a decision. A spokesperson for the Federal Police stated that the force has a demonstrable need for such analytical capabilities, while a spokesperson for the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) noted that the requirements for a shared analysis platform are currently being coordinated with police forces across the country through the P20 program.
