Palantir Tapped for IRS Mega API Project
Palantir, the software company cofounded by Peter Thiel, is part of an effort by Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to build a new “mega API” for accessing Internal Revenue Service records, IRS sources tell WIRED.
DOGE and Palantir Collaborate on API Project
For the past three days, DOGE and a handful of Palantir representatives, along with dozens of career IRS engineers, have been collaborating to build a single API layer above all IRS databases at an event previously characterized to WIRED as a “hackathon,” sources tell WIRED. Palantir representatives have been onsite at the event this week, a source with direct knowledge tells WIRED.
What is an API?
APIs are application programming interfaces, which enable different applications to exchange data and could be used to move IRS data to the cloud and access it there. DOGE has expressed an interest in the API project possibly touching all IRS data, which includes taxpayer names, addresses, social security numbers, tax returns, and employment data. The IRS API layer could also allow someone to compare IRS data against interoperable datasets from other agencies.
Potential Consequences of the API Project
Should this project move forward to completion, DOGE wants Palantir’s Foundry software to become the “read center of all IRS systems,” a source with direct knowledge tells WIRED, meaning anyone with access could view and have the ability to possibly alter all IRS data in one place. It’s not currently clear who would have access to this system.
Palantir’s Foundry Software
Foundry is a Palantir platform that can organize, build apps, or run AI models on the underlying data. Once the data is organized and structured, Foundry’s “ontology” layer can generate APIs for faster connections and machine learning models. This would allow users to quickly query the software using artificial intelligence to sort through agency data, which would require the AI system to have access to this sensitive information.
Timeline and Progress
Engineers tasked with finishing the API project are confident they can complete it in 30 days, a source with direct knowledge tells WIRED.
Palantir’s Government Contracts
Palantir has made billions in government contracts. The company develops and maintains a variety of software tools for enterprise businesses and government, including Foundry and Gotham, a data-analytics tool primarily used in defense and intelligence. Palantir CEO Alex Karp recently referenced the “disruption” of DOGE’s cost-cutting initiatives and said, “Whatever is good for America will be good for Americans and very good for Palantir.” Former Palantir workers have also taken over key government IT and DOGE roles in recent months.
IRS Response
The Treasury Department did not respond to a request for comment confirming Palantir’s role in the project.
“The Treasury Department is pleased to have gathered a team of long-time IRS engineers who have been identified as the most talented technical personnel. Through this coalition, they will streamline IRS systems to create the most efficient service for the American taxpayer,” a Treasury spokesperson tells WIRED. “This week, the team participated in the IRS Roadmapping Kickoff, a seminar of various strategy sessions, as they work diligently to create efficient systems. This new leadership and direction will maximize their capabilities and serve as the tech-enabled force multiplier that the IRS has needed for decades.”
Conclusion
The collaboration between DOGE and Palantir on the IRS mega API project raises concerns about the potential consequences of having sensitive IRS data accessible in one place. The project’s timeline and Palantir’s involvement in government contracts also raise questions about the company’s influence in government initiatives.
FAQs
Q: What is DOGE?
A: DOGE is the Department of Government Efficiency, a team led by Elon Musk with the goal of cutting costs and increasing efficiency in government agencies.
Q: What is Palantir?
A: Palantir is a software company cofounded by Peter Thiel that develops and maintains software tools for enterprise businesses and government agencies.
Q: What is the IRS mega API project?
A: The IRS mega API project is an effort to build a single API layer above all IRS databases, enabling access to sensitive IRS data and potentially allowing users to compare IRS data against interoperable datasets from other agencies.
Q: Will Palantir’s Foundry software be used in the project?
A: Yes, Palantir’s Foundry software will be used to organize, build apps, and run AI models on the underlying data, as well as generate APIs for faster connections and machine learning models.
Q: When will the API project be completed?
A: Engineers tasked with finishing the API project are confident they can complete it in 30 days.
Q: Has Palantir been involved in government contracts?
A: Yes, Palantir has made billions in government contracts and has developed software tools for defense and intelligence agencies, among others.
