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USA Today Co. Unions Demand End to Palantir AI Data Deal

other · 2026-08-12

On Thursday, during the second-quarter earnings call, USA Today Co. revealed a partnership with Palantir, which has drawn criticism from thirty-one unions representing nearly 800 employees. The collaboration focuses on utilizing Palantir's AI software for analyzing customer data. Unions, including those from The Indianapolis Star and The Arizona Republic, raised ethical issues regarding Palantir's involvement in military operations and government surveillance. They pointed out potential conflicts of interest and questioned the adequacy of data privacy measures, referencing controversial remarks made by Peter Thiel. In response, USA Today Co. vice president Amy Garrard defended the agreement, asserting the company's commitment to data protection, while CEO Mike Reed confirmed that the company maintains ownership of its data. Union members have begun contacting corporate leaders, with some threatening to cancel their subscriptions.

Key facts

  • USA Today Co. announced a partnership with Palantir on Thursday during its second-quarter earnings call.
  • Thirty-one unions representing nearly 800 workers released a statement Monday calling for the deal to be canceled.
  • Unions represent journalists at The Indianapolis Star, The Arizona Republic, and the Detroit Free Press.
  • Palantir's AI software will be used to analyze customer data for personalized ads and subscription offers.
  • Unions cite ethical issues with Palantir's use in surveillance, immigration crackdowns, and military campaigns.
  • USA Today Co. vice president Amy Garrard defended the deal as a business decision with data protections.
  • CEO Mike Reed stated that the company's data remains its own.
  • Peter Thiel, Palantir's chairman, has expressed views that freedom and democracy are incompatible.
  • Thiel funded the lawsuit that led to Gawker's bankruptcy.
  • Asbury Park Press reporter Mike Davis helped organize the statement and said employees were informed via email.
  • Some social media users plan to cancel subscriptions.
  • USA Today Co. had roughly 7,500 U.S. employees as of Dec. 31, with about 15% unionized.

Entities

Institutions

  • USA Today Co.
  • Gannett
  • Palantir
  • The Indianapolis Star
  • The Arizona Republic
  • Detroit Free Press
  • NewsGuild
  • NewsGuild of New York
  • Asbury Park Press
  • Gawker

Locations

  • Palo Alto
  • California
  • United States

Sources