Expanded Toolkit for Inquiry by Government Bodies

In a bid to bolster security measures and improve data analysis capabilities, the German government has initiated the use of the Palantir system in secure data centers, exclusively under the control of the police. This move comes as part of a comprehensive security package agreed upon by the green-black ruling coalition on September 23, 2024.

The Palantir software, thoroughly tested for IT security and data protection, is being deployed with stringent security measures in place. These measures include agreements to prevent data exfiltration, modification, or unwanted functionality extensions, ensuring the system operates independently and securely.

The Palantir system's introduction also marks the arrival of a cross-procedural research and analysis platform (VeRA), designed to consolidate and evaluate large amounts of data. This platform, which will be used to process and analyze datasets, is of immediate importance given the current security situation.

Interior and Digitalization Minister, Thomas Strobl, has emphasized the need for powerful and secure software solutions in the digital space for threat recognition and defense. He has also initiated a cooperation with industrial partners to develop a sovereign European software, a Euro-VeRA, with the aim of making Europe more self-sufficient in software development for strategic reasons.

Initial project partners for Euro-VeRA include Airbus Defence and Space GmbH and the digital division of the Schwarz Group, Schwarz Digits. Parliamentary control is being expanded to oversee the new legal tool, with the secret session parliamentary control committee presenting IT security reports four times a year.

Baden-Württemberg's security authorities are closely following the project, ensuring it meets the specific professional requirements for a VeRA. The use of Palantir is time-limited and currently serves to promptly provide the required capabilities. It's important to note that access by foreign authorities is excluded.

In addition to the Palantir system, the cabinet has decided to amend the police law for the later use of a VeRA, expanding it to include the possibility of automated data processing. The cabinet released a concept and an amendment to the external police law for consultation on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Minister President Winfried Kretschmann stated that these measures aim to provide more security for the citizens of the state. The police law is open to any software that enables cross-procedural research and analysis, and the development of a sovereign European solution has the potential to significantly advance Europe's technological and security policy sovereignty.

Parliamentary control is being expanded to oversee the new legal tool, with the secret session parliamentary control committee presenting IT security reports four times a year. This ensures transparency and accountability in the use of these powerful data analysis tools.