German police expands use of Palantir surveillance software

German police in Bavaria, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia are using Palantir’s Gotham software, with Baden-Württemberg planning to follow. The AI-driven tool rapidly compiles data—names, addresses, criminal records, cellphone data, and social media—creating instant profiles. “That is how the Munich police were able to take control of the situation relatively quickly and bring it to a conclusion,” said Alexander Poitz, deputy chairman of the Police Union, referencing its use in a 2024 attack on Munich’s Israeli consulate. However, the software sparks debate.

Critics, including the Society for Civil Rights (GFF), argue it risks ensnaring innocent people. “Anyone who files a complaint, or who is a victim of a crime, or even just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time can attract police attention via this software,” said GFF lawyer Franziska Görlitz. The GFF filed constitutional complaints, citing violations of Germany’s right to informational self-determination. The Chaos Computer Club’s Constanze Kurz called it a “Palantir dragnet investigation,” criticizing its opaque data linking. Despite Germany’s push for digital sovereignty, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has not ruled out expanding Palantir’s use. A public petition against it gained over 264,000 signatures by July 30, 2025.