Slate Technology What Next: TBD | Is Palantir Building a Data Big Brother?
Jun 6, 2025
In this discussion, Sheera Frenkel, a New York Times tech reporter with expertise in data analytics and government technology, dives into the controversial role of Palantir. She explores how the company's tools aim to break down data silos between government agencies, but raises alarms about privacy risks. Frenkel critiques the potential for a surveillance state and the balance between efficient data management and civil liberties. With insights into Palantir's influence during the Trump era, the talk emphasizes the urgent need for transparency in tech and government collaborations.
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Palantir Centralizes Government Data
- Palantir is helping the government consolidate diverse data into one organized system through their AI-backed platform Foundry.
- This centralization is controversial due to privacy concerns and comparisons to authoritarian data aggregation practices.
Palantir's Military Beginnings
- Palantir started by suing the Department of Defense to get military contracts and has since helped agencies like the FBI and Department of Homeland Security.
- Their software presents data insights visually even to non-technical users, aiding in tasks like counterterrorism.
Surge in Palantir Contracts
- Under the Trump administration, Palantir's government contracts significantly increased, allocating hundreds of millions in funds.
- This suggests a strategic push to embed Palantir technology deep within federal agencies moving forward.