Palantir used direct WhatsApp messages to urge a UK health minister to expand its AI technology into GP records, according to documents obtained by Foxglove and reported by The Guardian. The US tech firm argued its software was “ideal” for joining up primary and secondary care data, despite GP data being excluded from its existing £330m contract with NHS England. Palantir’s messages, sent between July 2025 and March 2026, pressed for ministerial support to overcome likely opposition from doctors and critics.
Doctors’ groups, including the British Medical Association, have opposed integrating GP data into Palantir’s platform, citing lack of trust and concerns over patient privacy. The government had previously said GP data would not be included. The issue has drawn attention from parliament and campaigners, with ministers reportedly unlikely to end Palantir’s NHS contract soon, despite calls to do so.
Healthcare leaders face strategic questions about data governance, public trust and the future of AI in the NHS. The health secretary has signalled interest in developing UK sovereign AI, suggesting a possible shift in suppliers when the contract ends in 2029. The debate centres on balancing innovation with privacy and transparency.
