Amazon is facing a hefty fine of 32 million euros (around Rs 290 crore) from France’s data security watchdog CNIL for its “highly intrusive” system of monitoring the activity and performance of its employees. The CNIL focused its concerns on tracking scanners used by Amazon to monitor workers.
Amazon is facing a hefty fine of 32 million euros (around Rs 290 crore) from France’s data security watchdog CNIL for its “highly intrusive” system of monitoring the activity and performance of its employees. According to Bloomberg, the CNIL focused its concerns on tracking scanners used by Amazon to monitor workers.
In a statement published on Tuesday, the CNIL expressed concern about the widespread nature of Amazon’s surveillance system, highlighting its scale and intensity that distinguish it from traditional methods. The watchdog particularly noted the widespread use of scanners to track employee activities, raising concerns about privacy and individual rights.
In addition to employee monitoring issues, Amazon is also fined for inadequate security measures related to its video surveillance systems. The CNIL’s decision to impose this significant fine reflects its commitment to protecting individual privacy and ensuring that companies comply with strict data protection laws.
In response to the fine, Amazon disputed the CNIL’s findings, claiming that they were factually inconsistent. In a separate statement, the e-commerce giant defended its use of warehouse management systems, saying they are industry standard and essential to maintaining operational security, quality and efficiency. Amazon highlighted the role of these systems in tracking inventory, handling shipments on time and meeting customer expectations.
While Amazon recognizes the need for surveillance systems for operational purposes, CNIL’s concerns raise broader questions about the balance between operational efficiency and employee privacy protections. The penalty reflects growing concern about the ethical implications of advanced surveillance technologies, particularly on a large scale, in the workplace. Despite the fine imposed, Amazon expressed its intention to challenge the CNIL’s decision, reserving the right to appeal.
Additionally, Amazon is asking managers to give lower performance ratings to employees who don’t follow return-to-office (RTO) policies. Business Insider reports that the e-commerce giant has taken a drastic step by suspending promotions for those who do not meet strict standards regarding office presence.
According to insiders, some Amazon employees suspect that the company’s extremely strict return-to-the-office policy is part of a broader strategy, such as a “quiet layoff” plan. The narrative suggests that Amazon is intentionally creating difficult conditions for workers by encouraging them to voluntarily leave, which ultimately helps the company cut costs without facing immediate backlash for layoffs.