Stanford Grad Pens Play Exploring AI Authoritarianism

"Data" captures tech industry's justifications for potentially totalitarian projects.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new Off Broadway play called "Data" explores the ethical dilemmas faced by employees at an AI company similar to Palantir. The play's protagonist, Maneesh, has created an algorithm with powerful predictive capabilities that is being considered for a Department of Homeland Security contract to track immigrants. The play's prescient themes have started to mirror real-world events, with the playwright drawing parallels to the recent high-profile resignations of AI safety researchers concerned about the consequences of the technology they're developing.

Why it matters

The play "Data" provides a theatrical exploration of the troubling implications of AI systems with expansive surveillance and predictive capabilities, which some experts warn could enable authoritarian control. As AI becomes more advanced and influential, there are growing concerns about the ethical responsibilities of those working in the industry.

The details

"Data" is a brisk theatrical thriller that captures the grandiose language used by tech leaders to justify potentially totalitarian projects to the public. The play's protagonist, Maneesh, is a brilliant but conflicted computer programmer who is pulled into a secret project to win a Department of Homeland Security contract for a database tracking immigrants. The play explores the ethical struggles of Maneesh and his co-worker Riley, who laments "I come here every day and I make the world a worse place."

  • The play "Data" premiered Off Broadway last month.
  • In the past two weeks, real-world events have started to echo plot points in the play.

The players

Maneesh

The protagonist of "Data", a brilliant and conflicted computer programmer who has created an algorithm with powerful predictive capabilities.

Riley

Maneesh's co-worker at the AI company, who expresses guilt over the negative impact of the technology they are developing.

Alex

A data analytics manager at the AI company, who uses grandiose language to justify the company's potentially totalitarian projects.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Data is the language of our time. And like all languages, its narratives will be written by the victors. So if those fluent in the language don't help democracy flourish, we hurt it. And if we don't win this contract, someone else less fluent will.”

— Alex, Data analytics manager (New York Times)

“I come here every day and I make the world a worse place.”

— Riley, Co-worker of Maneesh (New York Times)

What’s next

The play "Data" continues its Off Broadway run, providing a timely theatrical exploration of the ethical challenges posed by advanced AI systems.

The takeaway

As AI technology becomes more powerful and influential, the play "Data" serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for these tools to enable authoritarian control if not developed and deployed responsibly. The recent high-profile resignations of AI researchers highlight the growing concerns within the industry about the societal consequences of their work.