The role of data integration and analysis platforms in contemporary society: an introduction

This introduction to the special issue on data integration and analytics platforms provides an overview of the current importance of these platforms, with particular reference to the market leader, Palantir Technologies. In addition to the platformization of many areas of society through the use of data integration and analytics platforms, we argue that, where Palantir platforms are used, the process of ‘Palantirization’ can also be observed, because Palantir as a company is characterized not only by powerful platforms, but also by particular market entry techniques and, in particular, a decidedly political stance. This, we argue, is part of the package when Palantir's platforms were adopted.