THIS IS TERRIFYING! Everytime I read about Palantir's effectiveness in targeting Gazans, as well as the sheer audacity to seek all the information that DOGE and the current federal regime are seeking to bring together to target vulnerable groups and who knows what comes next, it genuinely makes me sad, angry, and even more committed to a more human community. Outsourcing all these powers to corporations, and now making new deals with Saudis, only exacerbates this. I am reading Wired more than I ever thought I would at this stage. Thanks for showing the connections between ending the democratic experiment and making a profit off the panopticon. Spicy Thursday morning read, Neela!
Thanks, bro. I share that mix of sadness and resolve. The scariest part is how quietly the lines between governance and profit blur and how loud you have to get just to point it out.
The government does have a database on all of us, but it's only about 60% complete. Now imagine getting the cooperation of Google and the guy with the perm. Suddenly, they’re adding our habits, likes, and dislikes to the mix, building a full profile on each of us, courtesy of Thiel.. These tech leaders fell in line for a reason. Did you see the breakup between Trump and Elon? Elon is suddenly woke, and I predict it will get nasty.
Thanks for your important article. However, when I write about issues that are primarily about privacy I often get a meh responses. It doesn’t seem to resonate as a major issue for so many people. They already are so trained to air every personal bit of themselves in social spaces platform public where they are continuously surveilled that the next steps on this road aren’t worrisome. So little concern as well for cybercrime which is the other side of the coin
This is true. I touched on this subject briefly over a year ago on LI, and I got some interesting responses. Basically, no one cares. It's mostly ignorance. They don't understand what is at stake. This is something I am incredibly passionate about, probably because I see it every day, so I will continue to sound the alarm, David. I hope your week was good?
I think ignorance is true for some. But others that that know about privacy violations think no bad consequences will happen to them (the smoker’s and lung cancer deception), then there are the “I have nothing to hide people”, those that believe we should catch more criminals thus way, and those that just don’t care as things have gone too far to turn back.
So let me get this straight, we’re handing over unprecedented surveillance powers to a private company co-founded by someone who literally questioned democracy itself? And not just any company Palantir, whose whole brand reads like a Bond villain origin story.
We’re told it’s about safety, efficiency, national security. But who’s securing us from them? The fact that the contract’s details are classified isn’t reassuring: it’s a red flag. And now with the OBBBA's 10-year AI regulation ban at the local level, we’re silencing watchdogs before the dogs even bark. Federal monopoly on regulation plus corporate opacity equals one hell of a democratic blind spot.
It’s not that innovation is bad, it’s that unaccountable innovation is dangerous.
Especially when it's designed to watch, predict, and ultimately control behavior.
What happens when the same tools are used to silence dissent or target vulnerable communities?
Palantir’s entire brand has always felt… off. Like it never really pretended to be for the people. And when you dig into who’s behind it, it stops being surprising and starts being alarming.
We keep being told these tools are to keep us safe, but who’s keeping us safe from the tools, and from the people building them?
All I can say is bravo to their product branding team. And to the rest of us, we did indeed hand that data over too easily. We can only blame ourselves...
I’ve been following this “network assembly” subject for a few years, and it’s sad to see that it’s coming to fruition. Data privacy is a big deal, and the far-reaching implications should give more people pause. The EFF is an organization centered on digital rights/advocacy and related topics, and they are serious about their mission. Following their work is a great way to see what’s going on in that realm, all over the globe. There’s so much that merits attention now, and it seems every day there’s something new to be concerned about. Ultimately, those opposed to these kinds of inititiaves have to speak up, say no, and opt out. Thank you for the 2 cents!
Totally agree on this. It's almost like watching a slow moving train wreck you’ve been yelling about for years. The scariest part is how normalized it all feels now. I appreciate the EFF shout out. Digital rights don’t get nearly enough airtime, especially when the tools of surveillance are marketed as conveniences. Thank you so much for adding to the converstaion...
Sadly, you are not wrong, Neela. And neither was Zuckerberg when he said the dfs just give their data willingly. I try to avoid posting too much personal info but I fear it's a losing battle, especially when they join it all up nationally or even globally. Terrifying. Thiel is mentor to the Vice President, too, isn't he? Worrying.
Once the systems are joined up, the illusion of ‘privacy settings’ becomes just that, an illusion. Opting out might protect the edges, but the core is already under watch.
I have a Facebook account but don't use it. I have a Threads account but don't use. My IG is locked and only for family and a few friends, mostly in trini. I am not on X, and I'm definitely not on TT. I try to be more mindful of what I do. He is in the president's ear all the time.
Scary stuff. And yes, we've willingly handed over all our data. How else will I know how many steps I'm doing, how my sleep is, when I'm stressed, and how I'm feeling. How else will I know how all of my friends are doing and what pictures they have posted on Instagram? Reality went way further than anyone could have dreamed up...
This exactly. “Convenience” paired with “free” provides an easy jackpot for the data collectors. I have inconvenienced myself in so many scenarios over the years when it comes to digital privacy rights. Perhaps even missing out on love as a result 🤣.
But, I refuse to acquiesce to so much that I didn’t ask for in the first place.
Of course, productive and substantive kinds of interaction (such as this) should be safeguarded! But you are indeed correct; there’s a LOT that isn’t conducive to real connection, and I’d add - growth and truth, and that’s what needs evaluating and potentially, dismantling. You as well!!
I was literally saying this yesterday. Just to fuel up my car I now need an app with all my details so I can get a discount. I've been paying full price because of that, but seems kind of unfair.
The real tragedy is that it didn't have to be like this. It's always in plain sight when we look (IF we but look). Many voices warned us, predicted this. Orwell, Huxley, Wells, many others. Even zany satires like Judge's "Idiocracy" turned out to be weirdly prescient — we have a real-life President Camacho. (SF author Octavia E. Butler wrote a pair of novels in the 1990s that predicts P47 and P2025 with downright eerie and not at all humorous accuracy.)
Given 4,000 years of normative literature and philosophy, it's hard to understand how we ended up here. Somehow, modern culture seems to lead to us forgetting ourselves.
We’ve had thousands of years of wisdom, warnings, and storytelling showing us where the pitfalls are. And yet here we are, tripping over the same roots, pretending we just discovered gravity. Maybe forgetting is part of the cycle...who knows?
But it doesn’t make it any less frustrating to watch. I have a front row seat and it is my biggest source of anxiety.
Yeah, it's *very* frustrating. I feel I've been helplessly watching a slow-motion trainwreck for 50 years in a culture that has inverted its value system and lost touch with physical reality. A Bubble Culture. We live in a world with two generations raised through a defective education and social system. It's not that surprising we ended up here.
Wow in breaking news, I think this is the first time I've seen Marjorie talk sense - overlooking the serious issue of her not reading a bill she signed off on of course Sis! lol I think everyone should be justly concerned about this, the higher intent.....AND the what ifs - ie if this goes wrong what then?!! Have a great weekend Sis and thanks for some awesome reads this week! :)
It really does seem that every day there's a new emerging or current calamity going on in the US suddenly!
The public split is like watching 2 eight year olds in the school playground! lol
Sorry I took a while to respond, we had a long weekend here and I went largely screen free.. :) I hope you enjoyed your weekend and have an awesome week ahead! :)
Oh paleeze. this ain’t that serious bro although I may need to move to Australia - I love those holidays and long weekends. I did thank you so much. Have a good week ahead as well bro.
I mean, what's a few stray rubber bullets amongst friends sis!? lol Come on down! Awesome to hear! Only 2.5 weeks until my Malaysia vacay....but who's counting?! Thank youuuu! :)
I had heard a tad about this but didn’t really want to research. So thank you for covering this, explaining it to non-tech people in an understandable way and showcasing the potential impacts. Now I’m just gonna go vomit (because of the subject matter not your style, no worries).
Also re: MTG - how did she not read the bill? They have one job when trying to pass legislation… know what you’re voting for. 🤦🏻♀️
And now I find myself agreeing with U.S. Rep. MTG. Shit.
Of course Minority Report, the 2002 film directed by Spielberg starring Tom Cruise (Certified Fresh at 89%) comes to mind. The Internet was just coming into fashion. My phone couldn't yet take pictures. We're already rounding up citizens and non-citizens and throwing the Bill of Rights in the trash. This seems like a logical next step. WIthout spoiling the plot if somebody decides to watch or rewatch Minority Report, the films returns with musings about the Bill of Rights, the rule of law. I've lived long enough to witness a dystopian present. Good shit here!
Yep, although it's a shocker to agree occasionally with those you'd never have expected, honoring your personal integrity over party, or politician, seems to me the best choice. 🙏🏽
Do we REALLY need a Bill of Rights? For some purposes, yes. For other purposes, the answer must be, "perhaps not." I grew up going to my village's Memorial Day Parade. Eventually marching proudly as a Cub Scout. Believing in Community (capital C) as an ideal and an achievable goal.
Neela, I've missed our tête-à-tête from time to time. I am very well, thank you. Just returned from my second California trip in a month. Working to catch up, catch up. Have you made big plans for the weekend?
I do think the Bill of Rights still matters, maybe not always perfectly applied, but essential guardrails when tech and government start doing the tango.
I missed it too.
I pressed PAUSE on Medium until the end of June or so.
Things have been busy on my end with work.
I am always on Substack, though.
Where do you go in California?
No big weekend plans yet....unless you count catching up on life and laundry. What about you?
THIS IS TERRIFYING! Everytime I read about Palantir's effectiveness in targeting Gazans, as well as the sheer audacity to seek all the information that DOGE and the current federal regime are seeking to bring together to target vulnerable groups and who knows what comes next, it genuinely makes me sad, angry, and even more committed to a more human community. Outsourcing all these powers to corporations, and now making new deals with Saudis, only exacerbates this. I am reading Wired more than I ever thought I would at this stage. Thanks for showing the connections between ending the democratic experiment and making a profit off the panopticon. Spicy Thursday morning read, Neela!
Thanks, bro. I share that mix of sadness and resolve. The scariest part is how quietly the lines between governance and profit blur and how loud you have to get just to point it out.
The government does have a database on all of us, but it's only about 60% complete. Now imagine getting the cooperation of Google and the guy with the perm. Suddenly, they’re adding our habits, likes, and dislikes to the mix, building a full profile on each of us, courtesy of Thiel.. These tech leaders fell in line for a reason. Did you see the breakup between Trump and Elon? Elon is suddenly woke, and I predict it will get nasty.
Thank you so much for stopping by.
Ok so I wish I hadn’t read that but also am glad I did. Thank you for scaring me so early on a Thursday 😆
Surprise hahahahaha
More people need to sound the alarm on this.
I work in tech, and this is my biggest source of anxiety, Kim.
Have a good Thursday!
Thanks for your important article. However, when I write about issues that are primarily about privacy I often get a meh responses. It doesn’t seem to resonate as a major issue for so many people. They already are so trained to air every personal bit of themselves in social spaces platform public where they are continuously surveilled that the next steps on this road aren’t worrisome. So little concern as well for cybercrime which is the other side of the coin
This is true. I touched on this subject briefly over a year ago on LI, and I got some interesting responses. Basically, no one cares. It's mostly ignorance. They don't understand what is at stake. This is something I am incredibly passionate about, probably because I see it every day, so I will continue to sound the alarm, David. I hope your week was good?
Happy Friday!
I think ignorance is true for some. But others that that know about privacy violations think no bad consequences will happen to them (the smoker’s and lung cancer deception), then there are the “I have nothing to hide people”, those that believe we should catch more criminals thus way, and those that just don’t care as things have gone too far to turn back.
So let me get this straight, we’re handing over unprecedented surveillance powers to a private company co-founded by someone who literally questioned democracy itself? And not just any company Palantir, whose whole brand reads like a Bond villain origin story.
We’re told it’s about safety, efficiency, national security. But who’s securing us from them? The fact that the contract’s details are classified isn’t reassuring: it’s a red flag. And now with the OBBBA's 10-year AI regulation ban at the local level, we’re silencing watchdogs before the dogs even bark. Federal monopoly on regulation plus corporate opacity equals one hell of a democratic blind spot.
It’s not that innovation is bad, it’s that unaccountable innovation is dangerous.
Especially when it's designed to watch, predict, and ultimately control behavior.
What happens when the same tools are used to silence dissent or target vulnerable communities?
Happy New Week sista Ral
Palantir’s entire brand has always felt… off. Like it never really pretended to be for the people. And when you dig into who’s behind it, it stops being surprising and starts being alarming.
We keep being told these tools are to keep us safe, but who’s keeping us safe from the tools, and from the people building them?
I wish you the best week ahead.
I guess so. Quite sad though
All I can say is bravo to their product branding team. And to the rest of us, we did indeed hand that data over too easily. We can only blame ourselves...
Thank you for educating us this weekend Neela!
The psychological design behind these platforms is masterful, Nadine. We need to be more mindful moving forward. Appreciate your insights always :)
Shocking coming from her, Neela! My question is, "How do you sign something that you haven't fully read?" Makes no sense.
These are the people in charge. No wonder nothing works, sis.
Sometimes I laugh - we voted for this hahahaha
I’ve been following this “network assembly” subject for a few years, and it’s sad to see that it’s coming to fruition. Data privacy is a big deal, and the far-reaching implications should give more people pause. The EFF is an organization centered on digital rights/advocacy and related topics, and they are serious about their mission. Following their work is a great way to see what’s going on in that realm, all over the globe. There’s so much that merits attention now, and it seems every day there’s something new to be concerned about. Ultimately, those opposed to these kinds of inititiaves have to speak up, say no, and opt out. Thank you for the 2 cents!
Totally agree on this. It's almost like watching a slow moving train wreck you’ve been yelling about for years. The scariest part is how normalized it all feels now. I appreciate the EFF shout out. Digital rights don’t get nearly enough airtime, especially when the tools of surveillance are marketed as conveniences. Thank you so much for adding to the converstaion...
Sadly, you are not wrong, Neela. And neither was Zuckerberg when he said the dfs just give their data willingly. I try to avoid posting too much personal info but I fear it's a losing battle, especially when they join it all up nationally or even globally. Terrifying. Thiel is mentor to the Vice President, too, isn't he? Worrying.
You nailed it, Lisa
The train has left the station.
Once the systems are joined up, the illusion of ‘privacy settings’ becomes just that, an illusion. Opting out might protect the edges, but the core is already under watch.
I have a Facebook account but don't use it. I have a Threads account but don't use. My IG is locked and only for family and a few friends, mostly in trini. I am not on X, and I'm definitely not on TT. I try to be more mindful of what I do. He is in the president's ear all the time.
Terrifying is an understatement.
Thank you for chiming in Lisa.
Scary stuff. And yes, we've willingly handed over all our data. How else will I know how many steps I'm doing, how my sleep is, when I'm stressed, and how I'm feeling. How else will I know how all of my friends are doing and what pictures they have posted on Instagram? Reality went way further than anyone could have dreamed up...
We wanted convenience. We got surveillance.
Yet… I get lots of “so what?” responses on other platforms.
Very few people care about this stuff.
What a time to be alive Sophie.
Thank you for taking the time :)
This exactly. “Convenience” paired with “free” provides an easy jackpot for the data collectors. I have inconvenienced myself in so many scenarios over the years when it comes to digital privacy rights. Perhaps even missing out on love as a result 🤣.
But, I refuse to acquiesce to so much that I didn’t ask for in the first place.
The more we 'connect' digitally, the more we potentially disconnect from what truly matters. Your refusal is what I call a quiet revolution, friend.
I hope you have a good week ahead.
Of course, productive and substantive kinds of interaction (such as this) should be safeguarded! But you are indeed correct; there’s a LOT that isn’t conducive to real connection, and I’d add - growth and truth, and that’s what needs evaluating and potentially, dismantling. You as well!!
Couldn’t agree more. So much of what’s out there feels like noise disguised as a real connection. These honest chats are IT.
thank you so much.
I was literally saying this yesterday. Just to fuel up my car I now need an app with all my details so I can get a discount. I've been paying full price because of that, but seems kind of unfair.
I don't think a lot of people truly understand the extent of the problem and that's why they don't care.
This is also true - that saying "ignorance is bliss" is very real Sophie.
The real tragedy is that it didn't have to be like this. It's always in plain sight when we look (IF we but look). Many voices warned us, predicted this. Orwell, Huxley, Wells, many others. Even zany satires like Judge's "Idiocracy" turned out to be weirdly prescient — we have a real-life President Camacho. (SF author Octavia E. Butler wrote a pair of novels in the 1990s that predicts P47 and P2025 with downright eerie and not at all humorous accuracy.)
Given 4,000 years of normative literature and philosophy, it's hard to understand how we ended up here. Somehow, modern culture seems to lead to us forgetting ourselves.
You are so right Wyrd.
We’ve had thousands of years of wisdom, warnings, and storytelling showing us where the pitfalls are. And yet here we are, tripping over the same roots, pretending we just discovered gravity. Maybe forgetting is part of the cycle...who knows?
But it doesn’t make it any less frustrating to watch. I have a front row seat and it is my biggest source of anxiety.
Thank you for chiming in here.
Yeah, it's *very* frustrating. I feel I've been helplessly watching a slow-motion trainwreck for 50 years in a culture that has inverted its value system and lost touch with physical reality. A Bubble Culture. We live in a world with two generations raised through a defective education and social system. It's not that surprising we ended up here.
It does feel like we're living in an upside-down world and it just got a whole lot worse Wyrd.
Happy Monday to you.
.....speechless....
It really says it all, Tina. Have a great weekend.
Scared ....less. Don't you know what is happening in the world you may ask?
I don't. Like the ostrich, I buried my head in unknowing, hoping all is well.
Now I know.
And the saddest thing? Our votes brought this upon ourselves.
I am so happy to see you here, Anjali
How are you doing?
They voted and they hoped.
I have no faith in the government. Not this one. Not the one before.
Wow in breaking news, I think this is the first time I've seen Marjorie talk sense - overlooking the serious issue of her not reading a bill she signed off on of course Sis! lol I think everyone should be justly concerned about this, the higher intent.....AND the what ifs - ie if this goes wrong what then?!! Have a great weekend Sis and thanks for some awesome reads this week! :)
Right? Miracles do happen hahahaha.
I almost did a double-take. But the concerns are real.
And Elon, too, bro.
Are you seeing the public split?
Thanks so much for reading, and I hope your weekend is full of good things!
Thank you for all the support this week.
Ha ha...
It really does seem that every day there's a new emerging or current calamity going on in the US suddenly!
The public split is like watching 2 eight year olds in the school playground! lol
Sorry I took a while to respond, we had a long weekend here and I went largely screen free.. :) I hope you enjoyed your weekend and have an awesome week ahead! :)
Oh paleeze. this ain’t that serious bro although I may need to move to Australia - I love those holidays and long weekends. I did thank you so much. Have a good week ahead as well bro.
I mean, what's a few stray rubber bullets amongst friends sis!? lol Come on down! Awesome to hear! Only 2.5 weeks until my Malaysia vacay....but who's counting?! Thank youuuu! :)
soooooooo jealous :(
also so happy for you bro.
Happy Wednesday!
I'll sneak you in my suitcase! lol
Thanks so much Sis! Happy Hump Day Eve! :)
Yup! Now the tinfoil hat and black helicopter crowd have something real to be paranoid about the government.
Honestly, when the conspiracy theorists start sounding like the only ones paying attention, that’s a sign we’re deep in the twilight zone, Baird.
Enjoy your Thursday evening.
I had heard a tad about this but didn’t really want to research. So thank you for covering this, explaining it to non-tech people in an understandable way and showcasing the potential impacts. Now I’m just gonna go vomit (because of the subject matter not your style, no worries).
Also re: MTG - how did she not read the bill? They have one job when trying to pass legislation… know what you’re voting for. 🤦🏻♀️
Haha, I get it.
It’s a lot to take in and that’s before the part about Saudi data centers.
https://www.ainvest.com/news/palantir-technologies-ranks-sixth-trading-volume-middle-east-expansion-product-innovations-2505-18/
Appreciate you reading despite the bile inducing details. And yes, apparently reading the bill is optional now if you shout loud enough in Congress. 🙃
Enjoy your evening Karen.
And now I find myself agreeing with U.S. Rep. MTG. Shit.
Of course Minority Report, the 2002 film directed by Spielberg starring Tom Cruise (Certified Fresh at 89%) comes to mind. The Internet was just coming into fashion. My phone couldn't yet take pictures. We're already rounding up citizens and non-citizens and throwing the Bill of Rights in the trash. This seems like a logical next step. WIthout spoiling the plot if somebody decides to watch or rewatch Minority Report, the films returns with musings about the Bill of Rights, the rule of law. I've lived long enough to witness a dystopian present. Good shit here!
Yep, although it's a shocker to agree occasionally with those you'd never have expected, honoring your personal integrity over party, or politician, seems to me the best choice. 🙏🏽
You can never go wrong using this guideline Jeanne.
How was your weekend?
Happy New Week!
Life is good, my friend I'm gratefully blessed.
I am so happy to hear this Jeanne :)
hahahahaha
Gosh, you know things are bad when you nod along with MTG & Elon (not featured in this post)
Minority Report really aged like a prophecy, not a movie..
Thank you Joel
Happy Thursday.
How have you been?
Do we REALLY need a Bill of Rights? For some purposes, yes. For other purposes, the answer must be, "perhaps not." I grew up going to my village's Memorial Day Parade. Eventually marching proudly as a Cub Scout. Believing in Community (capital C) as an ideal and an achievable goal.
Neela, I've missed our tête-à-tête from time to time. I am very well, thank you. Just returned from my second California trip in a month. Working to catch up, catch up. Have you made big plans for the weekend?
Ah Joel, ever the provocateur with the capital P!
I do think the Bill of Rights still matters, maybe not always perfectly applied, but essential guardrails when tech and government start doing the tango.
I missed it too.
I pressed PAUSE on Medium until the end of June or so.
Things have been busy on my end with work.
I am always on Substack, though.
Where do you go in California?
No big weekend plans yet....unless you count catching up on life and laundry. What about you?