North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister of the Interior, Herbert Reul of the CDU, is pushing for a European alternative to the controversial US surveillance software Palantir.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition), Reul noted that criminal activity is increasingly moving online. However, he argued that analyzing video surveillance footage and integrating nationwide investigative data can help law enforcement track down perpetrators more quickly. According to Reul, the technology also allows for the prediction and prevention of crime, stating, “In that sense, it would be madness to turn back the clock and forgo it.” Nevertheless, he emphasized that everyone would prefer a European alternative.
Regarding federal operations and considering previous suggestions made by Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) concerning the use of Palantir technology, Reul acknowledged that such tools should also be employed at the federal level, deeming the use “absolutely sensible.” Yet, he reiterated that the federal government would also prefer a European solution. Consequently, interest in European alternatives is reportedly high across the board. However, Reul stressed that these alternative systems must be just as powerful in their capabilities.
