On a Monday afternoon at the Colorado Capitol, a gathering of concerned citizens focused their attention on the growing influence of artificial intelligence and surveillance technology.
With the Denver skyline framed behind them, a group of a few dozen activists engaged in discussions about civil liberties and the far-reaching implications of unregulated technology funded by taxpayers.
The protest was part of a coordinated event taking place in cities like Palo Alto, Seattle, and New York City, all targeting the presence of Palantir Technologies.
Based in Denver, Palantir, co-founded by PayPal architect Peter Thiel and his Stanford roommate Alex Karp, develops software aimed at aggregating consumer and customer data.
While this data can help in commercial sectors, such as marketing and customer service, its use by government agencies often extends to life-and-death decisions.
For instance, in 2022, the U.S. Army contracted Palantir for over $400 million to enhance military management, a funding strategy that has significantly increased under the current and previous administrations, exceeding $1 billion.
Before the implementation of the Big Beautiful Bill Act, which expanded the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Palantir was already receiving substantial funding, with ICE investing around $30 million in their systems for detention decisions.
As tensions rose concerning immigration enforcement and military readiness, another $170 billion budget increase for ICE raises concerns about further investments in such technology.
Case studies of potential misuse include the controversial use of Palantir’s capabilities in military operations overseas, particularly in contexts such as the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
On the streets of Denver, protestors marched and chanted not just for ethical technology use but against the systemic targeting of marginalized communities.
A banner reading “Palantir is Watching You” led the crowd, while some participants took precautions by covering their faces, fully aware of the surveillance capabilities they were protesting against.
Among the rally’s speakers was Juan Pinto, a former Palantir employee and whistleblower, who had parked a truck to serve as a makeshift stage.
Pinto addressed the crowd with messages of solidarity for families impacted by Palantir’s technologies and called for increased awareness in Denver, home to Palantir’s headquarters.
“What we are all here to represent is support for the families that are broken by these technologies,” Pinto declared, earning nods and cheers from the crowd.
After his speech, he invited ten volunteers to join him in an attempt to access a meeting space they had rented within the Tabor Center, where Palantir is based.
As they approached the front entrance, they found themselves confronted by a lone security guard and various signs indicating that access was prohibited without permission.
Despite possessing what they thought was valid permission, they faced an unexpected and formidable barrier when they realized militarized police were stationed inside the lobby.
The group decided to link arms and sit down outside the building, hoping to deliver their message but were soon approached by Denver Police.
The police insisted they move back to the sidewalk; otherwise, they would face arrest for being on private property.
Observing the disparity between the armed police prepared to enforce the boundaries and the peaceful protestors, Pinto noted the power dynamic at play.
“Alex Karp and Peter Thiel could not walk through the streets of Denver like that, because they’re afraid of how people would react if they were seen in public,” he expressed, highlighting that wealth does not grant the same freedoms as public support.
Once the protestors returned to the designated sidewalk area, they resumed their demonstration, distributing literature and engaging with curious passersby.
The activists emphasized the importance of privacy rights and personal autonomy, drawing parallels to how Americans need to remain vigilant against the erosion of civil liberties.
Reflecting on their actions the following day, Pinto remarked on the impressive turnout, considering it was a weekday rally.
He emphasized the importance of keeping the conversation going about privacy and the implications surrounding the deployment of surveillance technology.
“America hasn’t taken up the fight for privacy like Europe or other places have. The fight for privacy is not about you and your secrets but about your autonomy and freedom of choice,” Pinto said.
With each demonstration, the protestors remain steadfast in their commitment to raise awareness about the impact of companies like Palantir on civil liberties.
As the events unfolded, the feeling of unity and collective purpose was palpable in the streets of Denver.
The protestors reaffirmed their dedication to education, outreach, and advocacy, determined not to allow their voices to be silenced as they plan future gatherings to continue the fight against overreach and the misuse of technology in war and policing.
In light of the closure of a beloved local news outlet, Pinto and his fellow activists have found renewed importance in maintaining independent journalism and community support.
The commitment to keeping independent voices alive is critical, as emphasized by grassroots initiatives noting the reliance on devoted local journalism as a counterbalance to corporate narratives.
This latest demonstration serves as a reminder not only of the potential for public protest but also of the ongoing struggles for privacy and civil liberties in the age of advanced surveillance technologies.
image source from：yellowscene
