Germany’s new coalition government is facing growing debate over the potential nationwide use of surveillance software developed by U.S.-based firm Palantir Technologies.
According to the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD, the incoming government plans to enable police forces to perform automated data searches using standardized software. This move could open the door for wider adoption of Palantir’s analytics platform, already in use in several German states.
The CDU/CSU reportedly secured control of the Federal Interior Ministry during ongoing negotiations, which increases the likelihood that the federal government will implement Palantir. In Bavaria, where the CSU governs, police have used the Palantir-powered system VeRA since August 2024. The Interior Ministry in Bavaria says the platform helps analyze large volumes of data quickly and effectively.
Other states, including Hessen and North Rhine-Westphalia, currently use Palantir. Berlin and Baden-Württemberg are reportedly considering similar agreements.
Federal Push Faces Opposition Over Privacy Concerns
On March 21, the Federal Council passed a resolution urging the government to establish a unified, centrally operated data analysis system for police use. While the resolution did not specifically name Palantir, experts believe it signals support for expanding the company’s role.
The plan has sparked opposition, particularly from the Green Party. Green lawmaker Konstantin von Notz criticized the company for privacy concerns and past controversies. He noted that Europol had stopped using Palantir and raised concerns about the software’s compliance with European and constitutional law.
Von Notz also questioned the company’s ties to the U.S. government, pointing to Palantir’s involvement in military and immigration surveillance. Human rights organizations have echoed these concerns, warning that widespread use of the platform could lead to mass surveillance and threaten civil liberties.
Palantir, which is well known for its work with U.S. defense and intelligence agencies, recently signed a cooperation agreement with NATO. Meanwhile, its CEO, Alex Karp, has publicly urged Western tech firms to take a more active role in national defense.
It remains unclear whether the federal government will fully adopt Palantir’s technology, but recent developments suggest increased political support for the software’s broader use.