Former Labour Deputy Tom Watson Becomes Palantir UK Advisory Board Member

Lord Tom Watson, previously the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, has accepted a position on the UK advisory board of Palantir Technologies. The US-based data analytics company confirmed the appointment, noting Watson's extensive political background.

In a statement, Lord Watson lauded Palantir's role in providing essential data analysis for national security operations and the NHS, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the firm's work with the NHS in vaccine distribution and supply chain management.

However, Watson also addressed public scrutiny of large technology corporations, stating there are "legitimate questions about the power and reach of big tech firms that require answers." This acknowledgement comes as Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel, has faced criticism regarding data privacy and its contracts with government and defence agencies.

Palantir's engagement in the UK includes significant contracts with the NHS. The company was awarded a £23 million contract for the NHS Federated Data Platform, which sparked considerable debate among privacy advocates and health campaigners regarding the commercialisation and security of patient data.

The move sees a prominent former political figure transition into an advisory role for a company central to governmental data infrastructure, underscoring the intertwining interests between established political networks and burgeoning technology firms.