France has announced plans to phase out the use of software developed by U.S.-based data analytics company, Palantir Technologies, citing concerns over digital sovereignty and dependence on foreign technology providers.
The decision affects France’s domestic intelligence agency, the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI), which has relied on Palantir’s data-analysis tools since the 2015 terrorist attacks to process and analyse large volumes of intelligence information.
French Defence Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, said the country could no longer afford what he described as “strategic dependencies” in the digital sector.
According to him, France must ensure that critical technologies and artificial intelligence systems essential to national security remain under its control.
The move follows concerns across Europe after U.S. authorities imposed restrictions on access to some advanced artificial intelligence models for certain foreign users on national security grounds.
French officials reportedly viewed the development as a warning about the risks associated with relying heavily on foreign technology platforms.
Former French Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, described the situation as the beginning of an “AI war,” while former Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, said the development highlighted the need for greater technological independence.
Palantir, co-founded by entrepreneur Peter Thiel with early backing from the U.S. intelligence community, provides software used by governments and organisations to analyse large datasets and support decision-making processes.
The company has consistently maintained that its clients retain full control over their data and that its products are designed to enhance operational efficiency and security.
Despite renewing its contract with Palantir in 2025 after concluding that local alternatives were not yet sufficiently advanced, French authorities have now indicated they are committed to transitioning to domestic technology solutions.
French technology firm ChapsVision has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Palantir within France’s intelligence infrastructure.
The decision aligns with the broader strategy of President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen France’s position as a leading artificial intelligence hub in Europe.
The French government has increased investments in AI development, data centres and local technology firms as part of efforts to reduce reliance on both American and Chinese technology giants.
Similarly, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has repeatedly advocated greater European technological independence, urging the continent to develop its own artificial intelligence capabilities and digital infrastructure.
As part of that effort, France is promoting Mistral AI as a European competitor to major U.S. AI firms and plans to deploy its AI tools across parts of the French public sector.
Analysts say the decision reflects a growing trend among European nations seeking to strengthen control over critical digital infrastructure amid rising geopolitical and cybersecurity concerns.
