UK health minister warns Palantir mistrust could impact NHS research

James Frith, the UK health innovation minister, warned that a growing number of patients are opting out of sharing their health information after recent data showed tens of thousands of NHS patients have withdrawn consent for their records to be used in research projects. The rise in opt‑outs has been linked to concerns over the involvement of Palantir Technologies, a US defence and health‑tech firm, in NHS data initiatives, prompting officials to question the level of public trust in the partnership.

The minister highlighted that mistrust of Palantir could deter individuals from contributing data, potentially undermining the NHS’s ability to conduct large‑scale health research. Government and NHS representatives are now reviewing the implications of the opt‑out figures and assessing measures to restore confidence while balancing the need for data‑driven innovation in the health sector.