France ditches Palantir's AI tools, opts for local firm
What's the story
France has decided to ditch the artificial intelligence (AI) data tools of US tech giant Palantir. The decision was announced by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who stressed the need for France to build its own AI models and avoid strategic dependencies in the digital sphere. This comes amid growing concerns among European governments over their reliance on US-controlled technologies.
Transition plan
Transition to local firm will take years
The French DGSI intelligence agency will replace Palantir's tools with those from domestic firm ChapsVision. The transition process is likely to take several years, given that the US company's long-term contract was renewed in 2025. Lecornu emphasized the need for France to "build real autonomy" and not depend on foreign powers for AI tools.
Shift
ChapsVision has been chosen by Germany too
Founded in 2019, ChapsVision will now be the "technological foundation" for several public agencies for their critical data processing needs. The company's technology, which collects, prepares and analyzes data, has also been chosen by Germany's BfV internal security service. Palantir has said it will "continue to support the French government wherever its solutions are needed," despite this major transition.
AI funding
France to invest €655M in AI
Lecornu also announced plans for France to invest €655 million in artificial intelligence and develop a shared chatbot for all state services. The funding will go toward "infrastructure, computing capacity, research, companies and industrial sectors," Lecornu said.