Today in Focus Palantir: the world’s ‘scariest company’?
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Dec 9, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Michael Steinberger, an author and former wine critic, alongside tech reporter Johana Bouyan from The Guardian, delve into the controversial world of Palantir. They explore Alex Karp's unique upbringing and how it shaped his leadership style. The duo dives into Palantir's surveillance software, its long-term ties with ICE, and ethical dilemmas surrounding military contracts. With insights on data privacy and the implications of centralizing sensitive information, they ponder the true intentions behind Karp's vision of 'saving the West'.
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Karp’s Persona Versus Palantir’s Reach
- Alex Karp presents himself as an eccentric, fitness-obsessed CEO with strict privacy habits and off-grid homes.
- That image contrasts with Palantir's reputation as a surveillance company embedded in national security agencies.
College Friendship Sparked Palantir
- Karp and Peter Thiel met at Stanford Law and formed a lasting friendship that led to Palantir's founding.
- Thiel admired Karp's fundraising skills and look, so Karp became Palantir's persuasive CEO and public face.
One Platform, Many Uses
- Palantir builds powerful data-integration tools that find patterns across large datasets to speed decision-making.
- The same platform serves militaries, hospitals, and commercial clients, showing broad applicability of the technology.
