Controversy in Saxony-Anhalt: Palantir and the future of police work

Controversy in Saxony-Anhalt: Palantir and the future of police work

There is currently a heated debate in Saxony-Anhalt about the use of automated data analysis in police work, especially about the controversial software from Palantir. The Conference of Interior Ministers has put this topic on the agenda and is discussing the legal situation surrounding the recently introduced draft law, which is considered groundbreaking and creates a legal basis for the use of this technology for the first time. This reports netzpolitik.org.

The draft, which was presented in January 2025 by the state government made up of the CDU, SPD and FDP, is intended to support the police in dealing with the ever-growing flood of data. However, at a hearing of the Interior Committee of the Magdeburg State Parliament on April 24, 2025, numerous critics expressed concerns. Experts warn that the extensive collection of data, including information about uninvolved people, could jeopardize fundamental rights, such as the right to informational self-determination. Techlawyer emphasizes that automated data analyzes represent an infringement on personal rights and are therefore only justified under strict conditions.

Legal challenges

A ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court on February 16, 2023 laid down clear rules for the use of such technologies. This ruling, which refers to past cases in Hesse and Hamburg, makes it clear that the intensity of the intervention depends on the type of data collection. It states that serious interference with informational self-determination can only be justified if there is a concrete threat to important legal interests. These requirements could call into question the current efforts of the Saxony-Anhalt government, as the ruling states that the legislature must regulate the framework conditions for data processing itself bundesverfassungsgericht.de.

Experts such as Franziska Görlitz from the Society for Freedom Rights (GFF) and Jonas Botta from the German Research Institute for Public Administration criticize the draft law as inadequate. They call for the introduction of clear regulations, particularly regarding the type and scope of data processed and the methods that may be used for analysis. Botta even mentions that there is no restriction on the origin of data analysis in the law, which could mean that data from secret services could be included. These worrying aspects have a direct impact on the public's trust in the police and the protection of their fundamental rights.

Digital sovereignty in focus

The discussion is also visibly heated about Palantir's almost monopoly position, which is pushing for digital sovereignty. Botta calls for a diversified approach to data analysis to reduce dependence on a single provider. The draft law is now being accused of violating the Basic Law because it does not adequately address the constitutional requirements required by the Federal Constitutional Court's ruling. Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang has already made it clear that no Germany-wide solution is expected in the next one to two years, and the alternatives to Palantir still seem nebulous.

How the political landscape and the legal framework will develop remains to be seen. Resistance to uncontrolled data analysis is strong, and it is clear that society needs to keep a close eye on the legal framework. Technological progress is only valuable if it is consistent with the fundamental rights of citizens. The ball is now in the legislature's court as to whether they can and want to withstand the pressure from the public and experts.