Palantir CEO says surveillance technology includes safeguards as government contracts lift sales

Palantir reported higher-than-expected fourth-quarter sales and said U.S. government revenue rose 66%; CEO Alex Karp defended the company's surveillance platform as having permissioning and audit controls, while the article notes contracts with U.S. agencies have drawn scrutiny.

Palantir Technologies reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter sales and projected substantial revenue growth for 2026. CEO Alex Karp wrote to shareholders defending the firm's surveillance platform and described built-in permissioning and audit capabilities intended to limit government access. The article mentions contracts with U.S. agencies, including a reported award from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which have attracted public scrutiny. The company highlighted a rise in revenue from U.S. government work as part of the explanation for its sales increase. Known facts: - Total fourth-quarter sales were reported at US$1.41 billion, exceeding analysts' estimates. - Revenue from the U.S. government rose 66% year-over-year to US$570 million, the company said. - Palantir forecast full-year 2026 revenue between US$7.18 billion and US$7.20 billion, implying more than 60% growth from 2025. - CEO Alex Karp stated the platform uses granular permissioning and functional audit logs to limit access and record use. - The article mentions a US$30-million contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported in April, and notes public scrutiny of firms working with ICE. Summary: Palantir's reported sales strength is tied in part to growth in U.S. government contracts, and the company projects higher revenue in 2026. Management has emphasised technical safeguards for how its platform is used, while public attention on agency contracts continues. Undetermined at this time.