European governments are moving away from Palantir, the US defense tech giant, citing privacy risks, data sovereignty, and controversial statements from its leadership.
The Netherlands announced plans to phase out Palantir within two years, with State Secretary Derk Boswijk calling for a fully European alternative. The UK Parliament has labeled Palantir's growing role in the public sector an “unacceptable point of weakness,” and Switzerland has rejected the company's bids at least nine times on security grounds. Denmark is also seeking local replacements.
The concerns stem partly from CEO Alex Karp's public remarks that Palantir software is designed for lethal use, alongside reports of its technology aiding military operations in Gaza and with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Amnesty International has warned about Palantir's access to sensitive health data from the UK's National Health Service.
Meanwhile, major European banks and asset managers continue to increase their stakes in Palantir, highlighting a divide between public sector caution and private sector investment.