French Intelligence Agency Ends Partnership with Palantir Amid AI Sovereignty Push]

PARIS: France’s domestic intelligence agency has terminated its contract with US AI company Palantir as part of a broader push for digital sovereignty, Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu announced Tuesday.

The Direction Generale de la Securite Interieure (DGSI) decision comes amid growing European concerns over reliance on American technology providers. Lecornu emphasized that France cannot accept new strategic dependencies in the digital sphere, announcing 655 million euros ($760 million) in new public investment to develop domestic AI capabilities.

“This represents a clear vulnerability which could leave public services at the mercy of foreign actors,” Lecornu stated, noting that France should not “depend on the good will of certain partners, who are capable of turning off the access tap” for artificial intelligence.

The move follows Washington’s recent restriction of access to AI firm Anthropic’s Fable model to non-American users, prompting bipartisan calls in France for greater independence from US technology providers ahead of next year’s presidential election.

Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel with CIA support, has collaborated with US government agencies on various projects including immigration tracking and military operations. While campaign groups have raised concerns about mass surveillance and privacy risks, the company maintains it provides essential data processing services for government and corporate clients.

British lawmakers recently echoed similar concerns, with Parliament’s Science, Innovation and Technology Committee recommending the UK’s National Health Service terminate its Palantir contract, citing risks from dependence on US-based providers.

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