NYC Health and Hospitals’ $4 Million Palantir Contract Draws Criticism
New York City’s public hospital system, NYC Health and Hospitals, has come under scrutiny for its nearly $4 million contract with Palantir Technologies, a data analytics firm with controversial ties to U.S. Intelligence and immigration enforcement. The contract, active since 2023, aims to improve billing and revenue collection, but has sparked outrage from activists and civil liberties groups.
Palantir’s Role in Healthcare Billing
According to documents obtained by The Intercept, NYC Health and Hospitals is utilizing Palantir’s software to streamline the process of billing Medicaid and other public benefits. The system includes automated scanning of patient health notes to identify and capture missed billing opportunities. Palantir’s involvement extends to working with patients’ protected health information (PHI), with the ability to de-identify data for purposes beyond research, as outlined in the contract.
Concerns Over Data Privacy and ICE Ties
Critics argue that partnering with Palantir, a company deeply involved in surveillance and deportation efforts, poses significant risks to patient privacy and trust. Palantir has a well-documented history of collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), providing software used to track and deport immigrants. This connection has fueled concerns that sensitive patient data could be indirectly shared with federal agencies.
“It’s unacceptable that the same company that is targeting our neighbors for deportation and providing tools to the Israeli military is similarly providing software for our hospitals,” said Kenny Morris, an organizer with the American Friends Service Committee.
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) expressed similar concerns, stating that any sharing of New Yorkers’ personal health data with Palantir is “reckless and puts countless lives at risk.” Beth Haroules of the NYCLU emphasized that all New Yorkers have a right to quality healthcare without fear of their information being delivered to the federal government.
Palantir’s Broader Controversies
Palantir’s history includes involvement in controversial projects such as XKEYSCORE, a National Security Agency (NSA) bulk surveillance program revealed by Edward Snowden in 2016. The company has also faced criticism for its “strategic partnership” with the Israeli military.
Palantir also provides similar services to the U.K.’s National Health Service, a relationship that has drawn increasing opposition in the United Kingdom.
NYC Health and Hospitals and Mayor Mamdani’s Response
NYC Health and Hospitals spokesperson Adam Shrier did not respond to requests for comment regarding the contract details. Palantir spokesperson Drew Messing stated that the company does not use or share hospital data outside the scope of its contract.
The office of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not respond to inquiries about its stance on the Palantir contract at the time of publication.
Activist Response
Activists are urging NYC Health and Hospitals to sever ties with Palantir. Jonathan Westin of the Brooklyn-based organization Climate Organizing Hub stated, “Palantir is targeting the exact patients that NYCHH is looking to serve.” Hannah Drummond, a nurse and organizer with National Nurses United, echoed this sentiment, stating she doesn’t desire Palantir’s technology in any hospital.