Palantir's access to identifiable NHS England patient data is dangerous', MPs say

"MPs have warned that an NHS decision to grant Palantir access to identifiable patient information in its plan to use AI to improve the health service is dangerous and will fuel public fears that data privacy is not being prioritised. NHS England has allowed staff from the US tech firm and other contractors access to patient data before it has been pseudonymised, despite internal fears of a risk of loss of public confidence, the Financial Times reported."

"The health service made the move to allow Palantir to access the data in recent weeks according to the reports, which revealed an internal NHS briefing that said it would allow unlimited access to non-NHSE staff to part of the NHS's federated data platform (FDP), which holds identifiable patient information. Palantir, which also supports Donald Trump's ICE immigration crackdown and the Israeli, US and UK militaries, was awarded a 330m contract to help build the FDP, installing AI systems to integrate scattered health datasets and bring efficiencies to medical treatment."

"The leaked NHS England briefing acknowledged the considerable public interest and concern about how much access to patient data Palantir/Palantir staff have. In 2023, shortly after the deal was agreed, NHS England said it would ensure personal data remains protected and within the NHS at all times. NHS England stressed external consultants requiring data access must have government security clearance and that it had strict policies in place for managing access to patient data."

"The Patients Association said it was concerned patients were not consulted on a significant change to who has unlimited access to patient data. Rachel Power, its chief executive, said patients wanted transparency, clear boundaries around access to their data, and to be consulted when changes to those agreements are proposed."

NHS England allowed US tech firm Palantir and other contractors access to patient data before it was pseudonymised, despite internal concerns about public confidence. The access was enabled through the federated data platform, which holds identifiable patient information, and an internal briefing indicated unlimited access for non-NHSE staff to part of the platform. Palantir received a £330m contract to build the platform and deploy AI systems to integrate health datasets and improve efficiencies in medical treatment. MPs and campaigners warned the approach is dangerous and could undermine trust. The Patients Association said patients were not consulted and called for transparency, clear boundaries, and consultation on changes to data access agreements. NHS England stated that external consultants must have government security clearance and that strict policies protect personal data within the NHS.

Read at www.theguardian.com