Swedish Police's Use of Controversial AI Program Palantir Gotham Revealed

The Swedish police have been using the AI software Palantir Gotham, renamed Acus in Sweden, for the past five years. This program compiles and analyzes large amounts of sensitive data, including crime records, Bank-ID information, mobile operator data, and social media activity, utilizing artificial intelligence to support law enforcement efforts.

Despite its extended use, the program's deployment has been shrouded in secrecy. A former police analyst described the situation as “hysch-hysch,” indicating a significant lack of transparency. The Swedish police agency has declined to confirm or deny their relationship with Palantir, citing concerns over national security.

Palantir itself is a controversial company, criticized internationally for its close collaboration with Israel and accusations from the United Nations concerning alleged violations of international law and human rights, particularly in Gaza. The company has denied these accusations.

While Palantir’s Gotham software has sparked public debate in countries like the UK and Germany, its use in Sweden has remained largely unnoticed until now. This revelation raises important questions about transparency, privacy, and the ethical implications of AI use in law enforcement within Sweden.