Guardian Today in Focus Podcast Examines Palantir as the World's Scariest Company
The Guardian's Today in Focus podcast released an episode on December 9, 2025, exploring why Palantir is considered the world's scariest company. The episode features contributors Nosheen Iqbal, Michael Steinberger, and Johana Bhuiyan, with production by Alex Atack, Ned Carter Miles, Eli Block, Brian McNamara, and executive producers Courtney Yusuf and Sami Kent.
The podcast delves into Palantir's ambition to "save the West" and the reasons behind its intimidating reputation. Michael Steinberger discusses the origin and political evolution of Palantir's founder Alex Karp, the company's founding and services, and its close relationship with the US military, including handling the second Trump presidency. Johana Bhuiyan outlines Palantir's interactions with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the NHS data systems in the UK.
The discussion situates Palantir within broader debates about surveillance, government contractors, and civil liberties, highlighting the complexities of the company's role and influence in contemporary society.
