Episode 372: Who Controls Your Health Data? Palantir, the NHS and the Risks of Digital Dependency
In this episode of The International Risk Podcast, Dominic Bowen speaks with Phil Booth, coordinator of medConfidential and a long-standing campaigner on medical confidentiality, patient consent and data governance, about what Palantir’s growing role in the NHS reveals about public trust and the private data infrastructure increasingly underpinning the modern state.
The conversation examines the NHS Federated Data Platform, the use of Palantir Foundry and the wider risks that arise when critical public infrastructure becomes dependent on private technology companies. Phil argues that the central issue is not only whether the software works, but who controls it, how easily it can be scrutinised or replaced, and whether patients have any meaningful choice over how their health data is used.
They discuss the limits of pseudonymisation, weaknesses in current opt-out arrangements, the commercial value of NHS data and the danger of long-term vendor lock-in. Phil reflects on earlier disputes surrounding care.data and the extraction of GP records, arguing that successive governments have repeatedly failed to treat public consent as a necessary condition of legitimate health-data use. He also explores how Palantir’s work with military, intelligence and policing organisations can create ethical and strategic tensions when the same company becomes deeply embedded in healthcare systems.
The discussion extends beyond the NHS to democratic resistance against Palantir’s wider expansion across the state, including the decision to block a proposed contract with the Metropolitan Police. Ultimately, the episode asks a question confronting governments around the world: how can public institutions benefit from advanced data systems without surrendering public control, meaningful consent and democratic accountability?
The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.
Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.
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