Coventry City Council will review its £500,000-a-year contract with US data firm Palantir, following concerns over the company’s reported links to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
The council signed the contract earlier this year following a trial scheme that used AI for case-note transcription and summaries of records in children's services.
The local authority came under fire from trade unions, which said it raises ‘serious ethical questions’, while Coventry councillor Grace Lewis branded it as ‘indefensible and heinous’.
Deputy council leader Abdul Khan reportedly told protestors on Tuesday: ‘We are reviewing the Palantir contract … and I personally agree with the sentiments regarding the divestment of all funds which are being used in the genocide all across the world, particularly at the moment in Gaza. So, whenever this is brought before the council, I will be supporting your concerns and agreeing with what you’ve said.’
The review was confirmed by the cabinet member for finance, Richard Brown, according to the Guardian.
A Coventry City Council spokesperson said: 'This was always an initial 12-month pilot project that was to be reviewed to assess its impact. That review is underway.'
