The State Department has launched the Freedom Tech Excellence Program (FTEP) enlisting private sector experts to advise on digital freedom and expression. Among the partners is Palantir a data integration firm founded by right-wing billionaire Peter Thiel. This move has sparked criticism, given Palantir’s history of surveillance contracts and lawsuits against journalistic outlets.
The FTEP aims to leverage private sector talent for limited-term assignments, focusing on online freedom of expression, privacy technologies, and responsible AI governance. However, Palantir’s involvement is contentious, considering its extensive work with government agencies like the NSAICE and the IRS as well as its lawsuits against media outlets like Gawker and Republik.
Palantir’s Controversial Past
Palantir has repeatedly denied being a surveillance firm, with CEO Alex Karp asserting that the company does not engage in unconstitutional surveillance. However, documents from whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed Palantir’s role in expanding the NSA’s global data collection efforts. This program was notorious for indiscriminately collecting communications from both Americans and foreigners.
In the UK, Palantir has faced protests over its contract with the National Health Service (NHS) and its ties to the Israeli military. The NHS recently apologized for falsely stating that Palantir did not have access to identifiable patient data. Similarly, in New York, a contract with public hospitals that granted Palantir access to patient information was allowed to expire after scrutiny.
Palantir and Government Agencies
Palantir’s relationship with the IRS has also drawn attention. The company has access to sensitive federal databases for IRS investigations, leading to a letter from 10 members of Congress requesting information about the ‘mega-database’ built off IRS data. Palantir has denied engaging in widespread surveillance of Americans.
The firm’s 15-year relationship with ICE has been particularly controversial. Palantir’s contracts with ICE have aided immigration raids, including those that led to family separations. The company has also developed software for ICE to track self-deportations and visa overstays. In April, Representatives Dan Goldman and Nydia Velázquez demanded information on how Palantir’s technology is used to create a ‘mass surveillance ecosystem.’
Attacks on the Free Press
Peter Thiel’s involvement in the lawsuit that drove Gawker into bankruptcy has further tarnished Palantir’s image. Thiel spent $10 million secretly bankrolling lawsuits against Gawker, ultimately leading to a major judgment in favor of wrestler Hulk Hogan that caused Gawker to close. Journalism advocacy group Reporters Without Borders condemned Thiel’s actions, stating they posed a serious threat to press freedom.
Palantir has also sued Swiss online news magazine Republik for reporting on its failed contracts with the Swiss government. A Swiss court sided with Republik on most charges, forcing Palantir to pay the outlet’s legal fees. David Greene, senior counsel for the Electronic Frontier Foundation criticized Palantir’s role in the FTEP, stating that it undermines the government’s free speech initiative.
The FTEP is set to run through the beginning of 2029, with participants potentially placed anywhere in the agency and requiring security clearances. However, the program is not aimed at bolstering the Department’s internal use of AI technologies. Another partner in the initiative is Anduril a military tech firm with links to Palantir and Thiel.
