Massive Attack has incorporated criticism of data analytics firm Palantir into its current live performances. The band describes the company's goals as terrifying and calls for wider debate on its role in society.
The Bristol-based group debuted the show in Helsinki on May 27. It features custom facial recognition software that scans crowds and displays satirical labels on screens. Robert Del Naja told Novara Media the visuals reference Palantir's monitoring tools. He noted the company's shift from military applications to accessing UK medical records. The set includes a quote from founder Peter Thiel stating freedom and democracy are incompatible. Del Naja said merging personal data into one company's hands with a political agenda represents a dangerous overreach. The performances continue this summer, including a stop at Primavera Sound later this week.
