Technology billionaire Peter Thiel has reportedly asserted that regulating artificial intelligence and other forms of technological progress could accelerate the emergence of the Antichrist. The co-founder of Palantir and PayPal made the remarks during a private lecture in San Francisco, part of a series focused on theological concepts.
According to individuals who attended the event, Thiel argued that societal fear of new technologies creates an environment where a deceptive figure could rise to power by promising safety through restrictive regulations, effectively stifling human progress.
Key Takeaways
- Peter Thiel reportedly claimed that regulating AI and scientific progress is akin to "courting the devil" and could hasten the Antichrist's arrival.
- The comments were made during a sold-out, "off-the-record" lecture series on the biblical Antichrist organized by the Acts 17 Collective.
- Information from the private event was leaked after an attendee published notes online, leading to the revocation of their ticket.
- Thiel's company, Palantir, is deeply involved in government and defense contracts, including a potential £750 million deal with the UK's Ministry of Defence.
- The company's technology has also faced scrutiny for its use by the Israel Defence Forces, a claim Palantir has addressed by stating its support for U.S. allies.
Theological Arguments Against Technological Regulation
Peter Thiel is currently delivering a series of four sold-out lectures in San Francisco centered on the biblical figure of the Antichrist. The talks were organized by a nonprofit group called the Acts 17 Collective, which aims to integrate Christian faith with the technology sector.
The events were designated as strictly "off the record" to encourage open discussion. However, details from the first lecture emerged after an attendee, software executive Kshitij Kulkarni, published his notes online. The post was later removed.
According to the published notes, Thiel's central argument was that modern society's growing anxiety about existential threats, including those potentially posed by AI, creates a fertile ground for the Antichrist. He suggested this figure would promise peace and security by imposing regulations that halt technological advancement, a move Thiel framed as a dangerous temptation.
The Acts 17 Collective
The Acts 17 Collective, whose name stands for "Acknowledging Christ in Technology and Society," was founded in 2024 by Michelle Stephens. She is a healthcare start-up executive and the wife of Trae Stephens, a partner at Thiel's venture capital firm, Founders Fund. Trae Stephens is also a co-founder of Anduril Industries, a company that develops and sells autonomous weapons systems to the U.S. government and its allies.
Breach of Off-the-Record Policy
Following the online publication of the lecture notes, Michelle Stephens reportedly contacted Kulkarni directly. According to the San Francisco Standard, she informed him that he was in violation of the event's policy and that his ticket for the remaining lectures was revoked without a refund. This incident highlights the private nature of the discussions, which intersect Thiel's deep religious convictions with his views on technology and global progress.
Thiel has previously expressed concerns about a potential "one-world totalitarian state" that could exploit fears of global catastrophe to suppress human freedom. His recent comments align with this long-standing theme in his public statements.
Palantir's Role in Global Defense and Security
While Thiel explores theological concepts in his lectures, his company, Palantir Technologies, continues to expand its significant role in global defense and data analytics. Palantir, which Thiel named after the "seeing stones" from The Lord of the Rings, specializes in building software platforms for large institutions.
UK Investment and Contracts
Palantir recently announced plans to invest up to £1.5 billion in the United Kingdom, a move expected to create approximately 350 jobs. This announcement coincided with a state visit from former U.S. President Donald Trump, for whom Thiel has been a prominent supporter.
In parallel, the UK's Ministry of Defence is projected to spend as much as £750 million on Palantir's artificial intelligence technology. This software could be used to enhance military operations, including the identification of battlefield targets. The deal has prompted discussions in the UK about its potential impact on domestic technology companies and employment.
"Fearing or regulating promising technology and scientific progress, including in AI, risked courting the devil." - A summary of Peter Thiel's reported comments at the lecture.
International Scrutiny and Corporate Statements
Palantir's work frequently places it at the center of geopolitical controversies. The company's technology has been the subject of criticism regarding its use in international conflicts.
A United Nations Human Rights Council report by Francesca Albanese, special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, mentioned Palantir among corporations working with Israel and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Separately, Bloomberg reported that the IDF has used Palantir's software for targeting in Gaza.
In response, Palantir has stated that its work with Israel began before the recent conflict and is consistent with its policy of supporting U.S. allies and democratic governments. The company has also publicly refuted what it called "baseless" claims that it developed specific AI-assisted targeting systems, such as the "Lavender" database reportedly used by the IDF.
A History of High-Stakes Projects
Palantir has a long history of involvement in sensitive U.S. national security operations. Its technology was widely rumored to have played a role in the intelligence work that led to the location of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011.
The company's deep integration with defense and intelligence agencies underscores the real-world application of the powerful technologies that its co-founder, Peter Thiel, discusses in philosophical and theological terms. His warnings about the regulation of such technology come from a leader whose business is fundamentally shaping its use on a global scale.