I&#x27;m inclined to agree with the author about the legitimizing effect that sponsorship can have. In the case of Palantir it looks like a clear conflict of interest. I appreciate the deconstruction of the &#x27;multi-stakeholder conference&#x27; into the realization that the stakes are indeed not equal – and in fact so unequal that the very existence of the conference hinges on the cooperation of the bigger stakes.<p>I&#x27;m a bit put off by the multiple references to Caspar (Bowden) supposedly &quot;turning in his grave&quot;; the author doesn&#x27;t explain how he is so sure (that Bowden would disapprove). Especially since the CPDP event of 2015 was also sponsored by Palantir, and Bowden was on the organizing committee, a moderator and on a panel of that conference.