The German Interior Ministry, under Alexander Dobrindt of the CSU party, is currently reviewing the potential nationwide deployment of “VeRA” a data analysis software developed by the controversial US company Palantir. A ministry spokesperson confirmed to the Stern magazine that this consideration remains “subject to ongoing assessment” with no definitive outcome yet reached.
The review is attracting sharp criticism from opposition parties. Konstantin von Notz, Vice-Chairman of the Green Party parliamentary group, accused Dobrindt of unwavering support for Palantir, suggesting he acts as a lobbyist for the contentious US firm, particularly concerning the increasingly unreliable relationship with the US government.
SPD Member of Parliament Johannes Schätzl echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Palantir is not a neutral IT service provider but a company with deep connections to US intelligence agencies and distinct geopolitical interests. He voiced strong opposition to Palantir’s use within German security agencies.
Conversely, Jens Spahn, parliamentary group leader of the CDU, supports the adoption of the software. He argues that technologies like facial recognition and artificial intelligence, embodied in a platform like VeRA, could significantly aid law enforcement in combating crime, asserting that criminals leverage digital tools and the state needs to maintain a corresponding capability within the bounds of the law.
Pressure for a national rollout of VeRA has been building, with several states, including Bavaria – where the software is already in use – and other states led by the CDU advocating for its wider implementation. Internal documents, as reported by the Stern magazine, indicate the plan previously stalled due to opposition from the SPD, which sought to preclude the use of Palantir.
Public concern is also mounting; a petition against the software developed by tech billionaire Peter Thiel has garnered over 250,000 signatures. Last week, the “Society for Civil Rights” filed a constitutional complaint in Karlsruhe challenging the initiative.