A recent report by Digital Rights Watch (DRW) alleging misconduct by Palantir Technologies in Australia has prompted the software company to issue a detailed rebuttal, citing numerous factual inaccuracies and omissions in the advocacy group’s claims.
In a blog post published on March 17, 2026, Palantir addressed assertions made in DRW’s report, Palantir in Australia, which it described as egregiously misleading. The company emphasized that DRW did not consult publicly available information about its technology or business model before publishing, nor did it engage with Palantir for clarification. Palantir, which operates as an enterprise software provider rather than a data or surveillance company, refuted claims that it collects or profiles personal data, stating, “We know nothing about you—we have no interest in surveilling our customers’ data.”
Key Rebuttals to DRW’s Claims
Palantir rejected several central claims from DRW’s report, including the assertion that it is primarily a defense contractor. The company noted that in the fourth quarter of 2025, nearly half of its revenue came from commercial customers, with government contracts spanning healthcare, law enforcement, and humanitarian missions globally. It also disputed the characterization of its privacy and data governance technologies as inadequate, highlighting features such as granular access controls and audit-logging to ensure responsible data use.
The company further contested allegations linking it to human rights abuses, pointing to its 2020 response to Amnesty International, which addressed similar concerns. Palantir argued that its software is used in humanitarian efforts, including combating human trafficking and supporting disaster relief, and that withdrawal from complex sectors like defense could undermine rather than protect civil liberties.
Emphasis on Compliance and Transparency
Palantir underscored its commitment to operating within legal frameworks, including Australia’s Privacy Act 1988, and accused DRW of failing to verify claims before publication. The company concluded by reaffirming its openness to dialogue with stakeholders, stating, “We are open to engaging on these or other claims with any stakeholders for whom genuine accountability and truthful reporting actually matter.”
Read more: blog.palantir.com