Concern is growing over Palantir, a U.S. technology company, and its involvement with the NHS, following reports that tens of thousands of patients have opted out of allowing their medical data to be used in research. Health Innovation Minister James Frith expressed worry about "mistrust" surrounding Palantir, which has raised concerns about how the NHS uses patient data. The government is currently considering whether to terminate Palantir’s £330 million contract to manage the NHS’s federated data platform, which aims to improve healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes. The increase in data opt-outs has been significant. Between mid-May and mid-July, 60,000 more people chose to remove their data from being used for research and planning, using a system known as the national data opt-out. This opt-out mechanism allows individuals to prevent their health information from being used for purposes other than direct care, such as research or policy planning. Critics, including doctors and patient advocacy groups, are urging the government to invoke a break clause in Palantir’s seven-year contract, citing its past work with the Israeli military and the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement agency, ICE. They argue that Palantir may not be providing value for money. Palantir and its supporters, however, claim the company’s AI-driven technology has had a positive impact on NHS services. A company spokesperson stated that NHS trusts using Palantir’s platform have recorded 110,000 additional surgeries, a 15% reduction in delays for long-stay patients, and a 6.8% improvement in diagnosing cancer within 28 days. NHS England has noted similar improvements but has not confirmed a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The government’s statistics watchdog is currently investigating the data to assess its accuracy. The controversy surrounding Palantir has extended beyond the NHS. London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, blocked the Metropolitan Police from awarding Palantir a £50 million contract to use its AI in criminal investigations, stating that Londoners want public funds to go to companies that share the city’s values. Palantir has since sued over the decision. Health Minister Frith acknowledged that while the increase in opt-outs is "modest," it remains a concern. He emphasized the importance of patient data sharing for achieving the goals of the NHS’s 10-year health plan. Foxglove, a tech equity campaign group, welcomed the minister’s recognition of public concern about Palantir. They highlighted that tens of thousands of people have opted out in recent months, citing concerns over the company’s founder, Peter Thiel, a Trump ally, who once claimed the NHS makes people sick. The minister has also indicated a possible shift in policy regarding the use of Palantir’s platform, stating that NHS trusts are no longer required to use it. However, Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, who chairs the Commons health committee, urged the government to act swiftly and consider switching to a different provider, warning against delaying the decision.