France shifts away from Palantir, towards ‘AI sovereignty’

Domestic intelligence agency begins a multi-year move to domestic player ChapsVision

France’s domestic intelligence agency, the DGSI, is planning to replace Palantir’s data analytics software with tools from French firm ChapsVision, in a move framed by the government in terms of national security and technological independence.

The DGSI has used Palantir’s data mining tools since 2016, but the government is now seeking to reduce its reliance on US-based technology providers. Prime minister Sébastien Lecornu said France must avoid “strategic dependencies” in AI, adding that the government should avoid relying on tools from foreign powers that could restrict access.

“We must use our own AI models; we cannot accept new strategic dependencies in the digital sphere,” Lecornu said on X. “We cannot rely on tools developed by foreign powers. France must have its own tools.”

However, the shift away from Palantir will not happen immediately. The company’s contract with the DGSI was renewed in late 2025, and its tools will continue to be used while ChapsVision’s platform is integrated - a process expected to take several years.

The timing of the announcement may have been influenced by the Trump administration's decision to restrict foreign access to Anthropic's latest AI models. However, the decision marks a continuation of the shift by many European countries away from US-owned “best-of-breed" platforms towards local alternatives. Deteriorating relations between the bloc and America, has ignited fears of kill switches and legislative intrusion, causing governments to prioritise control and resilience alongside capability.

Lecornu’s announcement follows a decision by Germany’s domestic intelligence service (BfV) to select ChapsVision’s ArgonOS platform over Palantir, continuing a broader regional trend towards “sovereign” alternatives.

France is bolstering this strategy with additional public investment. The government has announced €655 million in new funding for AI development, aimed at supporting domestic players such as Mistral and ChapsVision.

See also: At G7, euro AI sovereignty push intensifies after US blocks Anthropic models

The debate over Palantir is not limited to France and Germany. In the UK, the company is facing scrutiny over its role in the NHS. The company was awarded a £330 million contract to build data integration platforms, but MPs have warned of risks after it emerged that external staff had been granted access to identifiable patient data before it was pseudonymised. Patient groups and medics have also raised concerns about a lack of consultation. The contract is now under review after pressure from MPs.

Industry figures say the French decision highlights a deeper shift in how governments define sovereignty in the AI era. Sachin Agrawal, managing director for Zoho UK, said: “True sovereignty is not simply about where data is stored, but who controls it, who can reach it, and whether that answer is transparent.

“France will likely not be the last European country to question its dependence on US cloud infrastructure, in favour of greater certainty around regulatory oversight and governance standards, and ensure organisations have stronger control over how their information is managed.”