Palantir Technologies is a software company that specializes in big data analytics, data integration, and artificial intelligence (AI). Founded in 2003, it originally served U.S. intelligence and defense agencies, but it has since expanded significantly into the commercial sector.
Palantir, was co-founded by conservative “kingmaker” Peter Thiel, was quick to argue that the fellowship is not a DEI initiative.
CEO Alex Karp’s interview below and his company’s new fellowship cap off a newsworthy year for Palantir, which was tapped by the Trump White House to track immigrants in the U.S., aid in deportations, and potentially create a master database on every American.
Key Software Platforms
Palantir offers four primary platforms, often described as “operating systems” for data and AI:
Palantir Gotham: Used primarily by government, military, and intelligence agencies for investigative purposes. It helps analysts uncover hidden patterns in massive, disparate datasets, such as reports from informants and signal intelligence.
Palantir Foundry: The commercial-facing platform used by businesses to integrate and manage their data. It helps organizations across industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing operationalize data to improve efficiency.
Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP): Launched in 2023, AIP allows organizations to securely integrate large language models (LLMs) and other AI into their existing private networks and operational workflows.
Palantir Apollo: A continuous delivery system that manages and deploys software across various environments, ensuring that critical systems remain updated and secure.
As of 2026, while the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has not officially confirmed a direct, current agency-wide contract with Palantir, the company’s software is extensively used by other major Australian intelligence and law enforcement agencies that work closely with the AFP, such as the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
Palantir Use in Related Australian Agencies
Palantir has secured tens of millions of dollars in contracts across the Australian national security and intelligence landscape:
- Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC): A long-term user of Palantir with contracts dating back to 2014.
- AUSTRAC:The financial intelligence agency extended its contract through 2025 to use Palantir’s Gotham and Foundry platforms for detecting criminal networks and national security threats.
- Department of Defence: Has utilized Palantir since 2011, recently awarding a contract for its “Vantage” system to assess force readiness.
- Australian Signals Directorate (ASD): Known to have millions of dollars in active or recent contracts for data integration and analysis.
- Context for the AFP (2026)
- While there is no public confirmation of an AFP-specific Palantir “operating system,” the agency has faced scrutiny for using other similar advanced technologies:
- Trialing Surveillance Tech: Leaked documents previously revealed that the AFP and state police forces trialed Clearview AI (facial recognition), despite initial denials.
- Data Integration: The AFP is currently undergoing a major project to replace its legacy National Police Check Systems, with work on a new, more scalable platform commencing in April 2026.
- Inter-Agency Sharing: Because Palantir is the primary data-sharing platform for the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance (of which Australia is a member), AFP personnel may interact with Palantir-processed data through collaborative intelligence environments like the ACIC.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) uses Palantir Foundry, a data integration and analytics platform, for its operations.
Based on recent recruitment information from late 2024, ASIO has actively sought to hire Foundry Data Analysts and software developers to work within this platform.
Key Details Regarding ASIO and Palantir:
- Platform Usage: ASIO uses Palantir for delivering data and analytics-driven outcomes, specifically for tasks involving data integration and, in some cases, custom tooling.
- Data Analysis: The roles involve “extracting value from data” and using Palantir Foundry to visualize and analyze complex datasets.
- Wider Adoption: Palantir is widely used across Australian intelligence and law enforcement agencies, including AUSTRAC and the Department of Defence.
Core Philosophy and Controversy
Palantir’s name refers to the “seeing stones” from The Lord of the Rings. The company maintains a “pro-Western” stance, exclusively serving Western-allied nations and their partners. Despite its business success, it frequently faces criticism and public scrutiny regarding privacy concerns, its role in government surveillance, and its involvement in military operations.
This incredible technology would leave most Australians speechless because of its ability to burrow deep into every person’s life and times and it is being used by intelligence agencies every day.
Yet somehow the Bondi Beach shooters were not on Palantir radar?
