A UK parliamentary committee has warned that the British government's increasing dependence on data analytics company Palantir represents "an unacceptable point of weakness" for the country's public sector operations.

The committee's assessment highlights concerns about the government's growing reliance on the US-based data analytics firm, which has secured multiple contracts with British public sector agencies in recent years. Palantir, founded by Peter Thiel, specializes in large-scale data analysis and has worked with intelligence agencies and government departments on both sides of the Atlantic.

The lawmakers' warning suggests that the extensive integration of Palantir's services into UK government operations could create vulnerabilities or dependencies that pose risks to national interests. The company's software platforms are used to process and analyze large datasets for various government functions.

This scrutiny comes as governments worldwide grapple with questions about their reliance on foreign technology companies for critical operations. The committee's characterization of the relationship as a "serious liability" indicates growing unease among British officials about the strategic implications of such partnerships.

The warning reflects broader debates about data sovereignty and the security implications of outsourcing sensitive government analytics to private companies, particularly those based in other countries. Palantir has not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the committee's assessment.