Palantir: Data, Defense, and Debate

This chapter offers a comprehensive overview of Palantir's software solutions and their diverse applications across sectors such as government and humanitarian efforts. It traces the company's origins from anti-fraud software at PayPal to its pivotal role in post-9/11 counter-terrorism, while exploring the complex interplay between security and civil liberties. Additionally, it examines the contrasting philosophies of founders Alex Karp and Peter Thiel, framed within the backdrop of their Stanford Law School days and the controversial persona of the tech CEO advocating for a security-driven approach.