British police forces have begun acquiring AI software from a US tech company that merges sensitive personal data, such as race, health, political views, religious beliefs, sexuality, and union membership, into a unified intelligence platform.
A leaked internal memo from Bedfordshire Police obtained through freedom of information, reveals plans to roll out the “Nectar” system beyond its pilot stage.
Developed in partnership with Palantir Technologies, Nectar draws together approximately 80 data streams, from traffic cameras to intelligence files, into a single platform. Its stated aim is to generate in-depth profiles of suspects and to support investigations involving victims, witnesses, and vulnerable groups, including minors.
The 34-page briefing highlights police leadership hoping to extend the software’s deployment from Bedfordshire and the Eastern Region Serious Organised Crime Unit to a national scale, Liberty reported. It asserts the system could enhance crime prevention efforts and protect at-risk individuals more effectively.
