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UK government replaces Palantir software with internally-built refugee system (bbc.com)

519 points by cdrnsf · 60 days ago · 211 comments on HN

Article summary

The UK government has replaced a Palantir software system used to find homes for Ukrainian refugees with an internally-built system, reportedly saving millions of pounds. The original system was provided by Palantir for free for six months, but subsequent contracts were worth £4.5m and £5.5m. The new system is said to be more flexible and meet high standards of security. The change is seen as a step towards more sovereign technology and reducing reliance on external suppliers.

Main themes

  • UK government technology
  • Palantir software
  • refugee data management
  • sovereign technology
  • vendor lock-in
  • government procurement
  • data security
  • US tech companies in government contracting

What commenters say

  • Some argue that the problem of managing refugee data is not complex and could be solved with a simple system or even a moderately complex Excel sheet.
  • Others believe that developing a competent in-house tech team is more effective and cheaper in the long run than relying on external companies like Palantir.
  • The use of Palantir's system raises concerns about data security and the company's involvement with US immigration enforcement and Israel's military.
  • There are differing opinions on whether the UK government should prioritize building its own technology solutions or rely on external suppliers like Palantir.
  • Some commenters think that Palantir's system is overpriced and that the company's business model is based on locking in clients with high consulting fees.
  • Others argue that vendor lock-in is not always a bad thing and can be a strategic decision that pays off in the long run.
  • The incentives of external companies like Palantir are seen as misaligned with the needs of the government, leading to a call for more in-house development.
  • The role of large US tech companies in providing critical infrastructure for governments is viewed with skepticism by some, who argue that this creates a risk of dependence on foreign companies.