SV wants to end cooperation with controversial IT company
The Socialist Left Party (SV) has submitted a new proposal in the Storting (the Norwegian parliament) that the state should end its cooperation with the IT surveillance company Palantir. The party believes that the company's methods for data collection and surveillance are problematic and could threaten the privacy of Norwegian citizens.
Palantir is an American company that provides software for the analysis of large amounts of data. The company has long been controversial internationally due to its role in surveillance projects and its cooperation with military and intelligence organizations. SV is concerned that Norwegian authorities are using tools that do not provide sufficient insight into how data is processed.
The proposal from SV comes as a reaction to the increasing use of advanced technology in the public sector. The party emphasizes that digitalization is important, but that it must take place in a way that safeguards fundamental rights. They are now calling for a more thorough debate on which companies the state should enter into contracts with when it comes to sensitive information.
The matter has sparked a debate about the balance between security and privacy in Norway. While some believe that the tools are necessary to combat crime and ensure national security, others believe that one must be more critical of who is given access to Norwegian data. It is currently unclear whether the proposal will receive support from the other parties in the Storting.
The matter will be processed in the Storting over the coming weeks. The result of the vote could have consequences for how Norwegian authorities choose their technological partners in the future.