Palantir CEO writes book and criticizes Silicon Valley

It's all about "online advertising and shopping, as well as social media and video platforms", says Palantir CEO Alexander Karp in a kind of manifesto, in which he was supported by Nicholas W. Zamiska, Head of Public Relations at Palantir. In the book, they describe how Silicon Valley has lost its way. The former connection between the US government and tech companies, which was aimed at technological advances, has given way to private-sector interests.

In the past, technology was supposed to ensure that the West played a dominant geopolitical role. Now, for example, marketing algorithms are being developed. The relationship between the state and companies has "eroded, and that has dangerous consequences". The security and prosperity of society are no longer the priority. Instead, the focus is on developing things that can be used to make a profit, rather than asking "what is worth developing or why".

Karp and Zamiska argue, according to the New York Times, which distributes the book, that "the software industry must renew its commitment to tackling our most pressing challenges, including the new arms race in artificial intelligence, so that the United States and its allies can maintain their global edge – and the freedoms we take for granted." At the same time, the government must adopt the "technical mindset" that has led Silicon Valley to success.

Controversial Palantir software and government contracts

The book also provides insights into Palantir's direction. The company specializes in software that can analyse large amounts of data. Palantir Gotham, which is used by anti-terror units, is particularly well known. Palantir's biggest customers are public authorities, both in the USA and in Europe. In Germany, for example, the Hessian police use the software, as does the North Rhine-Westphalian State Office of Criminal Investigation. However, the surveillance software is at least questionable in terms of data protection law.

Palantir's stock market value has fallen significantly, partly due to its dependence on government contracts and current developments in the USA. Previously, however, the share price had also risen dramatically. Palantir does, of course, offer AI solutions. US President Donald Trump wants to cut all government spending, including at the Department of Defense, which could also have an impact on contracts with Palantir.

Nevertheless, Silicon Valley is currently moving particularly close to politics in the USA. The CEOs of the big tech companies are currently meeting regularly with Trump and were also present at his swearing-in. Whether this is the kind of closeness that Karp and Zamiska have in mind is questionable, however. It is also unclear whether the book was written before the current events.

(emw)