Statistical Inconsistencies in the KiDS-450 Dataset

Abstract: The Kilo-Degree Survey (KiDS) has been used in several papers to infer constraints on the amplitude of the matter power spectrum and matter density at low redshift. Some of these analyses have claimed tension with the Planck $\Lambda \mathrm{CDM}$ cosmology at the $\sim 2-3\sigma$ level, perhaps indicative of new physics. However, Planck is consistent with other low redshift probes of the matter power spectrum such as redshift space distortions and the combined galaxy-mass and galaxy-galaxy power spectra. Here we perform consistency tests of the KiDS data, finding internal tensions for various cuts of the data at $\sim 2.2 - 3.5\sigma$ significance. Until these internal tensions are understood, we argue that it is premature to claim evidence for new physics from KiDS. We review the consistency between KiDS and other weak lensing measurements of $S_8$, highlighting the importance of intrinsic alignments for precision cosmology.