Why Palantir's 22-point manifesto is being called 'the ramblings of a supervillain'

A “disturbing, narcissistic rant” and the “ramblings of a supervillain” – this is how the US spy tech company Palantir’s manifesto has been described by UK MPs. Subscribe ► youtube.com
The company issued a 22-point post on X – the most recent of a number of high-profile statements from Palantir and its chief executive, Alex Karp, that appear to indicate that “Karp views himself as not simply the head of a software company but a pundit with important insights into the future of civilisation,” says Aisha Down, the Guardian’s reporter on AI. ‌ The manifesto has led to criticism from several MPs who say it raises yet more questions about the UK’s portfolio of contracts with the company. Palantir has built up more than £500m in contracts in Britain, including a £330m contract with the NHS. ‌ Martin Wrigley, a Liberal Democrat MP, said: “Palantir’s manifesto, which embraces AI state surveillance of citizens along with national service in the USA, is either a parody of a RoboCop film or a disturbing narcissistic rant from an arrogant organisation. ‌ “Either way it shows that the company’s ethos is entirely unsuited to working on UK government projects involving citizens’ most sensitive private data.” ‌ Victoria Collins, another Lib Dem MP, said: “Palantir’s ‘manifesto’ sounds like the ramblings of a supervillain. A company that has such * ideological motivations and lack of respect for democratic rule of law should be nowhere near our public services.” ‌ A Palantir spokesperson said: “Palantir software is helping to increase NHS operations, reduce the time it takes to diagnose cancer, keep Royal Navy ships at sea for longer, and protect women and children from domestic violence. ‌ “We are proud that support is being provided by the 17% of our workforce who are based in the UK – the highest proportion among the world’s 20 biggest tech companies.” #palantir #alexkarp #tech #bigtech