Labour peer Watson joins Palantir amid NHS data privacy concerns

In the United Kingdom, Lord Watson of Wyre Forest, a prominent Labour peer and former deputy leader, has taken on a role as a paid adviser with Palantir, a US data mining company. This development is significant in light of Palantir's £330 million contract with the NHS to develop a patient data system, a contract that has sparked considerable controversy and debate. Numerous doctors’ groups and politicians have voiced concerns over the ethical implications of allowing a company with ties to defense and intelligence agencies access to sensitive patient data. The British Medical Association has expressed that it is 'deeply worrying' for such a firm to handle British patients’ details, given the potential risks to privacy and data security. Watson has disclosed his involvement with Palantir in the latest Lords’ register of members’ interests, positioning himself as a member of the company's public services advisory board. This action raises questions about the implications of political figures' involvement with private firms, especially in sensitive sectors like healthcare, where the handling of personal data is critical.