STUTTGART, Germany – Baden-Württemberg’s police may soon leverage the controversial Palantir Gotham analysis software, but the IT experts involved will have less to do with it before the summer break. The plan by Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU), in collaboration with the Green coalition partner, to amend the police law to enable its use is on hold. The final legislative sessions before the break are Wednesday and Thursday, with further discussions postponed until September.
The coalition is grappling with the controversial purchase of Palantir software without a clear legal framework, with differing priorities on the agenda.
Coalition Sparks Over Palantir Software
Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) briefly commented Tuesday, stating discussions were ongoing but he would voice his opinions in private. Kretschmann did not confirm if coalition negotiations would address the software. The CDU prioritizes enhancing search capabilities, while the Greens aim to tackle the general equal treatment law and climate protection measures within this legislative period.
The purchase of Palantir software, despite the absence of a legal basis, has ignited significant controversy within the coalition. State Secretary Thomas Blenke (CDU), a former police officer, had tasked the relevant police headquarters with this matter. The Ministry of the Interior cited an expired price guarantee for the software on March 20 as the reason for signing the contract before the police law amendment. They opted against following Schleswig-Holstein’s “product-neutral development tender,” believing it wouldn’t quickly solve police issues. Given the system’s implementation is expected to take years, a swift decision was deemed necessary.
Contract Concerns Emerge
Oliver Hildenbrand, the Greens’ domestic spokesman and deputy group leader, voiced strong disagreement. Skepticism also runs deep within the Green party regarding the necessity of acquiring software from a company linked to Peter Thiel, described as both a “dispenser of democracy” and a “Trump fan.” A modification to the contract, valued at 24 million euros over five years, could prove challenging as reports suggest there’s no exit clause.
The Interior Ministry defended the early contract signing, arguing it secured favorable terms from Bavaria’s framework agreement, preventing costs from doubling. The software is already in use in Bavaria, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The CDU parliamentary group stated the police law is under departmental review. Notably, while the Greens approved the software’s purchase last autumn, official documents referred to a “process-accompanying research and analysis platform” (Vera) without explicitly naming Palantir Gotham.
The Ministry of the Interior asserts that all parties were aware of the intended software, referencing a budget title approved in December. They maintained that the quick contract conclusion was justified by the tense security situation. A working-level meeting at the Ministry on May 6, which Hildenbrand did not attend, was described by government circles as a confirmation that “The Greens knew the decision.” The security package for the Greens and CDU was jointly decided following the knife attack in Mannheim.
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Data Access
Hildenbrand maintains a different perspective, emphasizing adherence to parliamentary procedure: amending the police law first, then tendering and procuring equipment. The software procurement poses significant political challenges for the Greens. Hildenbrand, representing the party’s left wing, notes widespread criticism from both the base and the “realo” faction. Concerns are raised about empowering a company led by a controversial figure, potentially weakening the state. Green domestic policymakers faced critical questions at their state conference in late May.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the software has been used statewide since 2022, following a police law amendment by the then-governing CDU-led coalition. Similar to the Baden-Württemberg plan, not all functions were fully implemented in NRW. The program accesses twelve databases, with access restricted for some officers. The state government considers Palantir Gotham a valuable tool for investigators, but plans to switch to a German or European equivalent if one becomes available.
Hesse Reports Successes
Hesse’s Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) echoed similar sentiments. A version of Palantir software, adapted for German data protection standards, has been operational since 2017. Poseck stated a preference for a European program with equivalent capabilities.
The Hessian government highlights the success of “Hessendata,” the adapted software version. Police report using the program up to 15,000 times annually, praising its ability to evaluate and correlate large data sets. The software reportedly aided in preventing an Islam-motivated attack by a young person, was used against attackers, and in cases involving alleged conspirators. During pedocrime investigations, Hessendata processed vast amounts of data within minutes, providing crucial investigative leads.
An investigation committee was formed due to the contract award to the U.S. company but concluded without specific findings. Hessian opposition parties have voiced concerns about a U.S. firm accessing sensitive personal data, including that of individuals not involved in criminal activities, as the program can also access the registration register. The police emphasize that all data remains on Hessian servers.
