Front Burner Palantir’s big data, AI long game
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Jun 17, 2025 
Michael Steinberger, a reporter for The New York Times Magazine and author of a forthcoming book on Palantir's CEO, dives into the intricate world of big data and surveillance. He explores how Palantir's technology is utilized by entities like the CIA and military, sparking debates on privacy and civil liberties. Steinberger discusses the ethical dilemmas of data surveillance, the company's controversial ties to law enforcement, and its role in modern warfare. He also examines the implications of outsourcing government functions to tech giants, questioning the balance between efficiency and accountability.
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Palantir's Core Software Functionality
- Palantir's software integrates diverse data to reveal hidden patterns quickly.
- It operates as a powerful pattern recognition tool without storing client data.
Origin Story in Fighting Fraud
- Palantir's origins trace back to PayPal's battle against fraud in the late 1990s.
- They saved PayPal by developing software that detected suspicious behavior instantly.
Karp and Thiel’s Contrasting Partnership
- CEO Alex Karp and co-founder Peter Thiel met at Stanford Law School but are political opposites.
- Their debate and friendship shaped Palantir's unique vision and approach.