Palantir Technologies

Peter Thiel, co-founder of data-analytics firm Palantir, has argued that people should be less judgmental about a deadly strike on a school in Iran. His remarks, reported by Mother Jones, draw attention to the human cost of the strike and to his own prominence as a defense-industry figure whose company supplies surveillance and targeting technology to Western militaries. Critics view the comments as dismissive of civilian casualties.

Criticism is mounting against data analytics firm Palantir, which supplies technology to the Israeli military during the war in Gaza and provides ICE in the United States with tools to track and surveil migrants. Critics also point to its expanding role in public services, including an NHS England contract awarded in 2023 worth up to hundreds of millions, raising concerns about its handling of personal data.

Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, told Euronews that Palantir Technologies is 'a great company'. The comment is drawing criticism online, with critics pointing to the US data analytics firm's controversial record on surveillance and its work with immigration and military authorities, and questioning why an EU official would endorse it amid Europe's push to build its own defence industry.

More than 44,000 people in the UK have filed legal objections to the Palantir-run NHS data platform, demanding their health records not be handled by the US technology company. The Guardian reports the campaign is part of a growing backlash against Palantir's work with the Israeli military and its role in Trump administration immigration enforcement.