German police expands use of Palantir surveillance software DW 08/02/2025
Briefly

The surveillance software Gotham, created by Palantir, aggregates large volumes of data to quickly provide detailed profiles of individuals for police use. Currently employed in three German states, it poses significant risks to civil liberties, as innocent individuals may be erroneously flagged. Privacy advocates and groups like the Society for Civil Rights argue that its usage infringes on fundamental rights, including the right to informational self-determination. The software can be used even without evidence of wrongdoing, increasing the potential for privacy violations.
The surveillance software Gotham consolidates vast amounts of data rapidly, allowing police to generate comprehensive profiles of individuals, which can include innocent people.
Privacy advocates assert that programs like Gotham violate fundamental rights, including informational self-determination and confidentiality of telecommunications, as guaranteed by the German constitution.
The Society for Civil Rights has filed a constitutional complaint against the use of Gotham, emphasizing that innocent individuals can inadvertently attract police attention.
Law enforcement in Bavaria can utilize Gotham without clear indications of danger, raising concerns about the implications for privacy and civil liberties.
Read at www.dw.com
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