The American company Palantir Technologies has filed a lawsuit against Republik, an independent Swiss media outlet that published an in-depth investigation into its activities. The case is currently being heard by the Zurich Commercial Court. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) considers this legal action to be a potential case of a SLAPP suit (strategic lawsuit against public participation).
Palantir develops intelligence and law enforcement software. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) uses Palantir products to track migrants in the United States. The Israeli army also uses Palantir software in its war in Gaza.
In collaboration with the investigative collective WAV, Republik revealed Palantir’s attempts to sell its software to various Swiss authorities over a seven-year period. The investigation is based in particular on an internal report by the Swiss Armed Forces indicating that Palantir’s software posed a risk to their reputation and raised concerns about the possible transfer of sensitive data to the US authorities.
At the end of January, Palantir filed an application for a counterstatement, currently pending before the Zurich Commercial Court, citing alleged inaccuracies, while remaining very vague.
“The investigation conducted by WAV and Republik into Palantir is largely based on official documents that journalists were able to access thanks to Swiss freedom of information law,” notes EFJ President Maja Sever. “The legal action brought by this powerful multinational firm against a small Swiss media start-up is, in our view, an attempt at intimidation aimed at discouraging any critical analysis of Palantir’s activities”.
Source: EFJ
