Story perspectives

USDA's Palantir Deal Sparks Concerns Over Employee Surveillance

3/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using Palantir Technologies, Inc. for employee seating as part of a return-to-office mandate.
The USDA says Palantir Technologies, Inc. can provide data integration and real-time analytics for space utilization.
Critics, including Paul Sonn of the National Employment Law Project, warn the contract could enable workforce surveillance.
Palantir Technologies, Inc. executives have emphasized platform's capabilities in high-stakes environments but have not addressed seating use.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using Palantir Technologies, Inc. for employee seating as part of a return-to-office mandate.
The USDA says Palantir Technologies, Inc. can provide data integration and real-time analytics for space utilization.
Critics, including Paul Sonn of the National Employment Law Project, warn the contract could enable workforce surveillance.
Palantir Technologies, Inc. executives have emphasized platform's capabilities in high-stakes environments but have not addressed seating use.