Palantir glitch caused a data leak involving an arrested Ethereum developer

Several FBI employees gained unauthorized access to the personal data of Virgil Griffith, a developer with the Ethereum Foundation, accused of cooperating with North Korean authorities. сообщает New York Post.

According to the report, the leak was caused by a Palantir software glitch. It was detailed in a letter by the Manhattan federal prosecutor who represents the prosecution in the Griffith case.

«The data consist of the defendant’s Facebook and Twitter accounts obtained during a sanctioned search in March 2020. Over the course of a year, via Palantir software, they were accessible to at least four FBI personnel who work outside New York and are not involved in the investigation», the letter states.

Three analysts and an FBI agent could view the materials, thanks to access granted in the Palantir system.

«All data uploaded to the platform are visible by default to FBI personnel who have access to the platform», the prosecution added.

For Virgil Griffith, the alleged violation of his constitutional rights could become a potential basis for a defence. Lawyers are currently examining available legal options.

Experts did not rule out that the incident could point to a broader problem with Palantir use by FBI personnel.

Palantir Technologies, the data analytics software company, was founded by PayPal alumni led by Peter Thiel. The company’s services are used by 149 clients, including the U.S. Army, police, intelligence services and banks. Its software has repeatedly faced criticism over privacy concerns.

For more on how the tech giant operates, read ForkLog’s feature.

How Palantir Works — the company arming the intelligence services with algorithms for mass surveillance

In November 2019, Virgil Griffith, a developer for the Ethereum Foundation, was arrested. He is charged with providing North Korea with information on the use of cryptocurrencies to evade U.S. sanctions and money laundering during a visit to a conference in Pyongyang.

Media reports also stated that he told colleagues about plans to supply mining equipment to North Korea.

In January 2020, Griffith was released on bail secured by real estate belonging to his sister and parents valued at $1 million. However, in July 2021 he violated the bail conditions and was remanded again.

The developer has not pleaded guilty. He faces up to 20 years in prison. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for September.

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