Met Palantir row gets to heart of how public services should use AI
The Metropolitan police's consideration of a £50m deal with Palantir highlights the growing reliance on AI in public services. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has blocked the deal, citing procurement rule violations and concerns about aligning with the city's values. The controversy reflects broader issues regarding the use of AI in policing and public trust in technology companies.
- ▪The Metropolitan police faces a £125m funding shortfall and is looking to AI to help manage resources.
- ▪Sadiq Khan blocked the Palantir deal due to concerns over procurement rules and the company's controversial reputation.
- ▪Palantir has been criticized for its ties to controversial government practices in the US, raising public distrust.
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From advanced AI to facial recognition software, the Met is increasingly turning to technology to replace some human labour. Photograph: Toby Melville/ReutersView image in fullscreenFrom advanced AI to facial recognition software, the Met is increasingly turning to technology to replace some human labour. Photograph: Toby Melville/ReutersMetropolitan policeAnalysisMet Palantir row gets to heart of how public services should use AIRobert Booth UK technology editorUK’s largest police force says Palantir is only company that can supply what it needs. Is that worth the controversy that comes with it? London mayor Sadiq Khan blocks £50m Met police deal with Palantir Thu 21 May 2026 13.53 EDTLast modified on Thu 21 May 2026 14.04 EDTShareIt’s bot vs bobby.
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