Palantir’s Disturbing Manifesto Raises Concerns on Privacy and Big Tech Surveillance
Palantir’s CEO and co-founder Alex Karp and Nicholas Zamiska released a book, ‘The Technological Republic.’ The company’s social media account listed a 22-bullet-point summary manifesto. Their core arguments in support of techno-authoritarianism are concerning, as Palantir is a US military contractor. The manifesto is circulating online, with social media users fearful of the possibility of mass surveillance.
The social media post argued for several controversial points. Their 16th point even goes so far as to argue that billionaires like Elon Musk—the class they believe “attempt to build where the market has failed to act”—should be applauded. But as loaded as the statement is, this is far from their most concerning points.
Palantir’s argument for mass surveillance
Their 13th to 15th points praise the United States for advancing progressive values, claiming that because of the US, billions of people have not seen war. Thus, American allies such as Germany and Japan should rearm to “protect” the peace America has provided the world with, lest China shift the balance in Asia.
What role does Silicon Valley play in this theater? Palantir, in several points, suggests that the tech elites “owe” the United States defense for the prosperity they achieved. This defense extends not only to creating weapons but also to “addressing violent crime.” The company frames it as if they have no shareholder interest in the matter, denouncing politicians for failing to act.
When in reality, Palantir is an AI company that can process and utilize billions of personal data points. This technology can make profiles of people that will be useful for marketing and other unknown uses. Palantir, in its statement, shows an interest in policing violent crime—but to what extent?
Notably, Palantir entered a contract with the Israeli military in 2024. Their technology was used in Gaza and the West Bank. Although framed as an analytical tool, the company’s tech compiled data sets to improve targeting for the Israeli military. The company did claim support for Israel, calling it “an important ally of the West.”
Abnormal opinions should be treated as such
Palantir has clearly demonstrated the lengths it would go to. To suggest that surveillance by a company is a net positive when they were complicit in a genocidal campaign is unbelievable. With the company’s argument against multiculturalism in its 21st and 22nd bullets, it begs the question: Which cultures do they refer to as “dysfunctional and regressive”?
And what gives them the right to act as though they can serve as police? They have corporate interests—not people—at the forefront. They have no right, and a techno-authoritarian state is yet to be born in the West. Several critics online have also raised concern over Palantir’s statement.
One X user wrote, “Companies should not be publishing manifestos on how our societies should operate and function. The act of private companies attempting to take on the role of government and/or policy construction should be seen as a threat to national security and the Western way of life.”
Others have given similar pushbacks to Palantir’s disturbing manifesto. A Scottish engineer argued online, “I cannot express the extent to which this company needs to be aggressively dismantled, its assets seized and its data storage destroyed completely.” He also criticized the National Health Service of England for deepening ties with Palantir, despite their dubious intentions.
Palantir has made its stance clear. It’s the fantasy of a techno-feudal dictatorship with people’s data held hostage or used against them. But it’s not too late—millions can still lobby against the dystopia becoming a reality.
(featured image: Burst)
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
