State Department Wants Palantir’s Advice on Free Speech and “Countering Digital Surveillance”
Founded by Trump ally and right-wing billionaire Peter Thiel, Palantir has attacked the press and works in the digital surveillance space. The post State Department Wants Palantir’s Advice on Free Speech and “Countering Digital Surveillance” appeared first on The Intercept .
The Trump administration has enlisted the assistance of Palantir, a data analysis company with a history of clashing with the press, to provide advice on free speech and countering digital surveillance for the State Department. Palantir's involvement is part of the State Department’s new "Freedom Tech Excellence Program," which aims to incorporate private sector expertise into diplomatic efforts on key issues such as online freedom of expression, privacy-enhancing technologies, and responsible AI governance.
Palantir, founded by right-wing powerbroker Peter Thiel, offers large-scale data analysis platforms and has contracts with various government entities, including the military, State Department, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. However, Palantir and its key personnel have faced criticism for their involvement in multiple lawsuits against journalistic outlets.
The State Department's move has raised concerns about the trustworthiness of the partners involved in the program, with legal experts comparing it to doublespeak. The Freedom Tech Excellence Program is set to run through early 2029, with potential participants assigned to various agencies and possibly requiring security clearances.
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