French software firm ChapsVision gives ethics panel veto power over risky contracts

French software group ChapsVision announced that its independent ethics committee can block any contract where its data‑analytics tools could be misused. The panel, chaired by former ambassador Jean‑David Levitte, reviews projects against OECD transparency indicators, the UN Charter and European rules, and "has a right of veto", President Silvano Sansoni said at VivaTech in Paris. It can stop new work or halt ongoing contracts if the scope or client requests raise concerns.

ChapsVision positions its ArgonOS platform as a European alternative to U.S. provider Palantir, having secured government contracts in France and Germany and working closely with France’s intelligence agency. Deployment is planned over 18‑24 months across several ministries handling sensitive data. The ethics board includes former senior security officials and will be joined this summer by former Spanish foreign minister Ana Palacio, reflecting Europe’s push for home‑grown, responsibly governed data‑analytics solutions.