CovertAction Bulletin Palantir, Surveillance and Technofascism
Jun 4, 2025
The podcast dives into Palantir's controversial partnerships with U.S. agencies, raising alarms about civil liberties. It discusses the troubling implications of mass surveillance and the ethical concerns surrounding data privacy. Listeners will explore Section 702 of FISA and its historical context, alongside the rise of techno-fascism in Silicon Valley. The influence of high-profile figures like Musk and Trump on governance and funding decisions is critiqued, emphasizing the need for vigilance and independent journalism in today's tech-driven landscape.
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Palantir's Expanding Surveillance Role
- Palantir has expanded government contracts across multiple agencies, raising serious surveillance concerns.
- Its growth as a private partner in U.S. government surveillance spans different administrations, indicating bipartisan support.
Meaning Behind Palantir's Name
- Palantir is named after Tolkien's crystal balls, symbolizing powerful but potentially biased surveillance.
- The technology's effectiveness depends on the mental strength of its users, implying control in interpretation.
Palantir's Founders and Origins
- Palantir was founded post-9/11 by figures associated with conservative libertarian and CIA venture capital.
- Its early connections to intelligence highlight its role in expanding mass surveillance under government auspices.
