Coles Employs Palantir, a US Defense Contractor, to Address Supermarket Challenges

Australian supermarket chain Coles has signed a three-year deal with US tech company Palantir Technologies to deploy its tools across more than 840 supermarkets. Coles aims to use Palantir’s software to optimize its workforce and cut costs as part of its plan to save a billion dollars over the next four years. Palantir’s tools collect, organize, and visualize data, offering clients a comprehensive platform for data analysis. While the collaboration may seem less controversial than Palantir’s work with governments and law enforcement, it raises concerns about surveillance and control becoming infrastructure in the background of everyday life. The deal also highlights Coles’ focus on logistics and cost-cutting rather than addressing worker underpayment or passing savings onto customers. Additionally, the partnership may create dependence on Palantir’s services, making it difficult for Coles to switch to alternative solutions in the future. Overall, the collaboration raises questions about the direction of one of Australia’s major grocery providers and its impact on workers and customers.