Big Tech Security Spending Surges as AI Backlash Drives Threats Against Executives
Growing public backlash over AI development has translated into real security risks for the tech sector. According to Liferaft analysts, threats against data centers and AI company leaders have increased 7x, driving a sharp rise in corporate security budgets — 38% of S&P 500 companies reported executive protection expenses in 2025, up from 27% in 2021. Palantir’s spending on executive security jumped 150% year-over-year, Oracle’s rose 86%, and Salesforce’s budget reached $4 million. Security agencies in Silicon Valley report surging demand for armed yet discreet bodyguards, while AI company management strongly advises employees against wearing branded clothing off-campus.