Contemporary digital ministers express interest in adopting Palantir software
Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger has expressed his support for the use of advanced technologies like Palantir's controversial analysis software by German security authorities, despite concerns about data security and the software's US origins.
Currently, 75 percent of the cloud solutions used in Germany come from big American tech companies. Wildberger believes that Germany should have European companies offering such solutions, aiming to achieve digital sovereignty and reduce dependence on these companies.
The software from Palantir, a US-based tech firm founded in 2003, is currently being used by police forces in Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and will soon be used in Baden-Württemberg. However, the expansion of Palantir's AI-driven surveillance and analysis technology has not gone uncontested. Critics, including data protectionists, have voiced their concerns about potential data transfer risks to the US.
Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) and Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt have previously expressed doubts about the use of Palantir's software. Dobrindt is currently checking whether the Palantir software can be used nationwide.
Wildberger, however, believes that if a provider offers such technology, Germany should invest in it. He emphasizes the need for Germany to protect itself from individuals and states with different political values who threaten countries. Wildberger also calls for Germany to leverage its own talents to benefit from growth areas.
Despite concerns about the use of Palantir's software, there are no indications from recent reports that European or specifically German security authorities are seriously considering or developing European alternatives to Palantir’s analysis software.
Palantir's tech billionaire founder, Peter Thiel, is known for his libertarian and right-wing conservative positions, closeness to US President Donald Trump, and criticism of liberal democracies. This association has fueled further debate over the reliance on US firms rather than European-developed solutions.
As the debate continues, Wildberger remains committed to his vision of a digitally sovereign Germany, advocating for the development and use of homegrown technologies to strengthen the nation's security and democratic values.
References: [1] Schneider, M. (2021). Palantir in Deutschland: Die Kontroverse um die US-Firma und ihre Datenverarbeitung. [Online]. Available: https://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Palantir-in-Deutschland-Die-Kontroverse-um-die-US-Firma-und-ihr-Datenverarbeitung-4712979.html [2] Keller, T. (2021). Palantir-Software: Bundesweite Einsatzberechtigung für die Polizei in Deutschland. [Online]. Available: https://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Palantir-Software-Bundesweite-Einsatzberechtigung-fuer-die-Polizei-in-Deutschland-4753415.html
- Amidst growing concerns about data security and potential data transfer risks to the US, Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger's advocacy for Palantir's technology highlights the need for Germany to develop its own digital solutions and achieve digital sovereignty.
- Despite the controversy surrounding Palantir's US origins, technology, and political associations, the lack of serious consideration for European alternatives by German and European security authorities continues to fuel the debate over the reliance on US firms for advanced software solutions.
