Dual-use technology humanitarian aid is a growing concern, as companies like Palantir sell the same tools for both aid and war. The World Food Program's partnership with Palantir in 2019 sparked controversy, with critics arguing that the company's ties to intelligence and immigration enforcement posed a risk to humanitarian operations. This raises questions about the ethics of dual-use technology and its impact on humanitarian work.

But why does this matter? The answer lies in the potential for these technologies to be used for both good and harm. As the use of dual-use technology becomes more widespread, it's essential to consider the implications for humanitarian aid and the people it serves.

What Is Dual-Use Technology and Why It Matters Now

Dual-use technology refers to goods, software, and technologies that can serve both civilian and military applications. This can include satellite imagery, data analytics, and other tools that can be used for both humanitarian aid and military operations. The problem is that the same companies are increasingly building and selling the same core capabilities into humanitarian operations and into military and intelligence systems.

From what's been reported so far, it's clear that dual-use technology is becoming more prevalent in humanitarian aid. However, this raises concerns about the potential for these technologies to be used for military purposes, and the impact this could have on humanitarian operations. As a journalist, I believe that it's essential to scrutinize the use of dual-use technology in humanitarian aid and ensure that it's being used responsibly.

Palantir and WFP: When Aid Operations Meet Intelligence Systems

The partnership between Palantir and the World Food Program is a prime example of the dual-use technology dilemma. Palantir's Maven system, which is used for data integration and analysis, has been criticized for its potential use in military targeting and strikes. In March 2026, Reuters reported that the US Department of Defense would designate Palantir's Maven system as a program of record, essentially locking it in as a core military capability with stable, ongoing long-term funding.

That's where it gets interesting. The same data-integration and decision-support logic that sounds like common sense in a supply chain becomes a force multiplier in a kill chain. This raises serious questions about the ethics of using dual-use technology in humanitarian aid, and the potential risks it poses to civilians. As someone who's covered this topic, I think it's crucial to have a more nuanced discussion about the implications of dual-use technology.

Satellite Imagery Firms Maxar and Planet: One Supply Chain Two Very Different Masters

Satellite imagery firms like Maxar and Planet are also playing a significant role in the dual-use technology landscape. Maxar, for example, was awarded a roughly $359 million Commercial GEOINT Access Portal contract by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in 2024. This contract highlights the entanglements between commercial imagery supply chains and national security interests.

On the flip side, Planet has a formal Rapid Response program tied to humanitarian disaster response, but it also markets directly into military and alliance contexts. In 2025, the company announced it had been selected for a NATO contract to deliver advanced daily monitoring and intelligence capabilities. This dual-use approach raises concerns about the potential for satellite imagery to be used for both humanitarian and military purposes.

Starlink in Ukraine: From Disaster Connectivity to Strategic Leverage

Starlink, a satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, has been used to provide connectivity in disaster zones, including Ukraine. However, the Belfer Center case study on Starlink in Ukraine describes a dependency that exposed the fragility of outsourcing critical connectivity to a private actor and the politics that follow from that reliance.

What that means, practically speaking, is that the use of Starlink in Ukraine has raised questions about the potential for private companies to influence the outcome of military conflicts. This is a concerning development, as it highlights the potential for dual-use technology to be used as a tool of strategic leverage. As a journalist, I believe that it's essential to investigate these claims and provide a more nuanced understanding of the implications.

How Humanitarian Organizations Can Break the Dependency Cycle

Humanitarian organizations can break the dependency cycle by demanding dual-use disclosure from tech vendors and including purpose limitations and non-reuse terms in procurement contracts. This would help to ensure that dual-use technology is used responsibly and with the utmost transparency.

But how can this be achieved? One possible solution is to require dual-use disclosure as a standard, so that humanitarian organizations can make informed decisions about the technologies they use. This would also help to build trust with affected populations and ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered effectively and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does dual-use technology mean in humanitarian aid work?

Dual-use technology refers to goods, software, and technologies that can serve both civilian and military applications, including satellite imagery, data analytics, and other tools that can be used for both humanitarian aid and military operations.

Is Palantir Maven system used for military targeting and strikes?

Yes, according to Reuters, Palantir's Maven system has been used to analyze battlefield data to identify potential targets and support thousands of targeted strikes in recent weeks.

How does Starlink role in Ukraine affect humanitarian trust?

Starlink's role in Ukraine has raised concerns about the potential for private companies to influence the outcome of military conflicts, which can erode trust in humanitarian aid efforts and create uncertainty about the motivations of private actors.

What is the humanitarian halo effect and why is it dangerous?

The humanitarian halo effect refers to the tendency to view humanitarian organizations as inherently good and trustworthy, which can lead to a lack of scrutiny and accountability in the use of dual-use technology. This can be dangerous because it can create a false sense of security and allow dual-use technology to be used for military purposes without adequate oversight.

Can humanitarian agencies demand dual-use disclosure from tech vendors?

Yes, humanitarian agencies can and should demand dual-use disclosure from tech vendors as a condition of procurement contracts, to ensure that they are aware of the potential risks and benefits of using dual-use technology.

Conclusion

Dual-use technology humanitarian aid is a complex and nuanced issue, with significant implications for the future of humanitarian work. As we move forward, it's essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of using dual-use technology in humanitarian aid and to demand greater transparency and accountability from tech vendors.

That's why I believe that it's crucial to have a more informed discussion about the implications of dual-use technology and to work towards a future where humanitarian aid is delivered effectively, efficiently, and with the utmost respect for human rights and dignity. The use of dual-use technology humanitarian aid will continue to evolve, and it's up to us to ensure that it's used responsibly and for the greater good.