Tom Watson, who served as the deputy leader of the UK Labour Party from 2015 to 2019, has been appointed as a senior advisor to Palantir, a US-based data analytics company. The firm is a major contractor for the National Health Service (NHS) and various government security agencies, a position that has previously drawn scrutiny from privacy campaigners and some political figures.

In a statement regarding his new role, Watson noted that while he is joining the company, he remains aware of the public debate surrounding big tech firms. He stated that there are "legitimate questions" regarding the influence and operations of such companies that "require answers." By taking this position, Watson joins a growing list of former politicians who have transitioned into advisory roles within the technology sector.

Critics of the appointment often point to Palantir’s history of working with intelligence and defense agencies, arguing that such ties raise concerns about data privacy and government surveillance. Conversely, supporters of the company and those defending the appointment argue that Palantir provides essential data processing capabilities that improve public service efficiency, particularly within the NHS. While Watson has not detailed his specific duties, his role is expected to involve providing strategic guidance as the company continues to expand its footprint in the UK public sector.