Civil rights groups protest Palantir surveillance software in Honolulu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Civil rights groups rallied in downtown Honolulu Monday to protest Palantir Technologies.

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The demonstration was held outside the Pacific Guardian Center, where protesters voiced concerns over the company’s government surveillance software.

Groups involved included the ACLU of Hawaii, Indivisible Hawaii Statewide Network, Oahu Rapid Response Coalition and Hawaii J20+.

Organizers said they are concerned about the use of Palantir technology by federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.

They specifically pointed to technology they say can compile information from government databases to help identify people and locations for immigration enforcement.

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“We want to see due process for every single American. What that looks like is ensuring that we don’t have companies like Palantir who are contracting with the US government and we don’t want data to be accessed without a due warrant,” said Catherine Titzer, community field fellow at the ACLU pf Hawaii.

Protesters said they are concerned about the potential for mass surveillance, predictive policing and infringement on personal privacy.

“Palantir is a software company, not a data company.” A Palantir spokesperson told HNN. “We are not in the business of storing or collecting data and we do not conduct surveillance. Palantir’s software helps customers analyze vast, disparate data sets to increase efficiency, all based on an enduring commitment to privacy and civil liberties.”

The demonstration ran from noon to 1 p.m. at the intersection of Bishop and Queen streets.

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