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

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.