Opinion: The WFP and Palantir Controversy Should Be a Wake-up Call for Humanitarian Community

Author(s)
Raymond, N., L. Waker McDonald, and R. Chandran
Publication language
English
Date published
14 Feb 2019
Publisher
Devex
Type
Blogs
Keywords
Data, Data security

The World Food Programme’s Feb. 5 announcement of a $45 million partnership with the algorithmic intelligence firm Palantir has sparked a firestorm of criticism. The partnership raises serious issues that must be addressed by WFP — who appear to be taking the right steps toward transparency. But this controversy is bigger than just one private sector agreement by one agency — and it should serve as a challenge and an opportunity for the entire humanitarian sector.