In a significant move that underscores growing apprehensions about reliance on foreign technology, France’s domestic intelligence agency has opted to abandon Palantir’s AI data tools in favour of a local provider, ChapsVision. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu emphasised the need for France to cultivate its own technological independence, reflecting a broader European trend to reduce dependency on US-controlled tech platforms.
A Strategic Shift
The decision to phase out Palantir, a US-based software company known for its data analytics capabilities, comes as European nations increasingly express concerns over their reliance on American technology. Prime Minister Lecornu announced the change via social media, stating, “We must use our own AI models; we cannot accept new strategic dependencies in the digital sphere.” The prime minister’s comments highlight a growing sentiment among European leaders to prioritise national sovereignty in technology.
This transition to ChapsVision, founded just a few years ago in 2019, aims to establish a domestic technological backbone for various public agencies dealing with critical data processing. ChapsVision made a notable €200 million (£173 million) in revenue in 2025, a fraction of Palantir’s impressive $4.5 billion (£3.3 billion), yet it represents a crucial step for France in building technological autonomy.
The Background of the Decision
The urgency behind this shift is amplified by recent developments in US tech policy. Just last week, Washington announced restrictions on foreign access to Anthropic’s latest AI model, further fuelling fears of strategic dependency among European governments. Lecornu’s office indicated that the transition from Palantir to ChapsVision will take several years, owing to the long-term contract Palantir secured in 2025.
“France must build real autonomy and not depend on the goodwill of certain partners, who are capable of turning off the access tap for artificial intelligence,” Lecornu asserted. This sentiment echoes across the continent as nations grapple with the implications of foreign technology on national security and privacy.
A Wider European Context
France’s decision is not an isolated case. Germany’s military has already announced it will cease using Palantir’s products, and the UK is currently reviewing its own substantial data contract with the company, worth £330 million, amid mounting political pressure. Additionally, London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan has blocked a proposed £50 million contract with the Metropolitan Police, citing concerns over value for money and the procurement process.
Palantir, co-founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, has faced criticism from various campaign groups over its role in surveillance and potential infringements on individual freedoms. The company, however, maintains that it provides essential data-processing services to its clients.
France’s Commitment to AI
In tandem with this shift, France is set to invest a whopping €655 million in artificial intelligence initiatives, which includes the development of a shared chatbot for all state services and a public health chatbot for the state insurance agency Ameli. The funding is intended to bolster infrastructure, computing power, research, and the industrial sector, illustrating France’s commitment to advancing its own technological capabilities.
Moreover, France has already begun implementing a government AI tool designed to assist its civil servants, with plans to roll it out to 1 million of its 2.6 million employees. This tool, built on models from the French startup Mistral AI, aims to enhance efficiency in various sectors, including speeding up legal processes and aiding researchers in securing grants.
Why it Matters
France’s decision to replace Palantir with a domestic provider is emblematic of a significant shift in how European nations view technology and its implications for national security and sovereignty. As countries strive to reclaim control over their data and digital infrastructures, this move could set a precedent for other nations grappling with similar concerns. The focus on homegrown solutions not only aims to mitigate risks associated with foreign dependencies but also fosters innovation and growth within the local tech ecosystem, ultimately benefiting citizens and the economy alike.