German police expands use of Palantir surveillance software
9 months ago
- #Germany
- #privacy
- #surveillance
- German police expands use of Palantir's Gotham surveillance software, which rapidly aggregates vast amounts of data to create comprehensive profiles.
- Three German states (Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia) use Gotham; Baden-Württemberg plans to adopt it soon.
- Privacy advocates criticize the software for potentially ensnaring innocent people and violating fundamental rights.
- The Society for Civil Rights (GFF) filed a constitutional complaint against Bavaria's use of Palantir, citing breaches of informational self-determination.
- Chaos Computer Club opposes the software, calling it opaque and warning of long-term police dependency on Palantir.
- Palantir's software, used in high-profile cases like the Munich consulate attack, raises concerns about data security and US access.
- Germany's government aims for digital sovereignty but remains divided on Palantir, with Interior Minister Dobrindt open to its adoption.
- Public opposition is strong, with over 264,000 signing a petition against Palantir's use in Germany.