Post #2430848

2026-01-02 08:40 UTC

If you think this is a niche #schweiz national interest story, think again, because Palantir are spreading their influence all over Europe. Their software is used by ICE to track and deport migrants in the U.S., and in military targeting systems. German civil society organizations are now citing the Swiss findings in their fight against Palantir’s expansion into German police forces. Scrutiny is essential at this stage. When journalists investigate and document *with proof*, the playbook comes out: Deny, obfuscate, claim they’re “misrepresenting” work that they don’t want scrutinized, mobilize the allies on LinkedIn, and bury critics in corporate double-speak. Adrienne Fichter and Marguerite Meyer did excellent work. They deserve our support, not tech bros calling them “luddites” while Palantir rewrites what they actually reported. I *will* repeat their names so they’re not just “some journalists” somewhere. @adfichter@bird.makeup / https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennefichter @marguerite_jay@newsie.social / https://www.linkedin.com/in/marguerite-meyer-a828539 Their investigation speaks for itself. So does Palantir’s response. That tells you everything you need to know about who’s operating in good faith.

Replies (2)

@diemkay@hachyderm.io 2026-01-02 08:40

What you can do: 1. Read the original investigation. Judge for yourself: 📄 https://www.republik.ch/2025/12/09/warum-palantir-zum-risiko-fuer-die-schweiz-wird 2. Support #InvestigativeJournalism. These reporters aren’t getting rich doing this work. They’re doing it because someone needs to document what powerful companies don’t want documented. A year spent in FOIA requests is not nothing. 3. *Do* pay attention to the LinkedIn drama The tactic of replying to critical journalism where the general public won’t see is deliberate. They’re trying to discredit journalists among decision-makers and industry insiders. Make this stuff visible if you can. 4. Make your politicians answer questions about government contracts. If the Swiss said no NINE times after careful evaluation, why did the UK say yes? Who benefits from these deals? This matters for #DataSovereignty and national security. Once again, support #InvestigativeJournalism. They are fighting battles most of us will never see. Thanks for reading.

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@veronica@mastodon.online 2026-01-02 08:43

@diemkay@hachyderm.io The discussion about Palantir has come up in Norway too recently. Here, they defended themselves with something like "we just make the tools, we don't decide how they're used". Which made my blood boil.

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