Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Amazon publishes blog urging support for AI data centers amid community backlash
Company response
On October 2, 2026, Amazon published a blog by AWS CEO Matt Garman addressing public concerns about the impact of AI data centers on jobs, power demands, and the environment. The blog warned that more than 100 data center moratoriums under consideration across the US could cause lasting harm to the US economy and national security. It codified a 'Data Center Commitment' covering job creation, preventing increases to local energy rates, and a pledge to invest more than $1 billion to support communities neighboring its data centers. Amazon also said it no longer uses nondisclosure agreements with government agencies, after Democratic lawmaker Jamie Raskin probed tech companies about secret deals with local officials.
On October 2, 2026, Amazon published a more than 3,000-word blog by AWS CEO Matt Garman pushing back on public concerns about the impact of AI data centers on jobs, power demands, and the environment, warning that more than 100 data center moratoriums under consideration across the US could cause lasting harm to the US economy and national security. The memorandum codifies a 'Data Center Commitment' covering job creation, preventing increases to local energy rates, and a pledge to invest more than $1 billion to support communities neighboring its data centers. Amazon also said it no longer uses nondisclosure agreements with government agencies, after Democratic lawmaker Jamie Raskin probed tech companies about secret deals with local officials.
Stated objective. Calling for public support of AI data center projects, warning that blocking them risks irreparable harm to the US economy and national security ('our nation can't afford to lose' the race for AI dominance).
Company response
Clarification — Amazon
In a more than 3,000 word blog posted today, Amazon web services CEO Matt Garman pushed back on public concerns around the impact that data centers may have on jobs, power demands, and the environment
Ongoing disclosure — Amazon
Additionally, Amazon says it no longer uses nondisclosure agreements with government agencies, after Democratic lawmaker Jamie Raskin probed tech companies about the secret deals with local officials.
Source excerpt
This comes as support for AI data centers has plummeted in polls , and face increasing backlash from the US communities where they’re being built, with nationwide concerns growing over AI safety and what impact the technology will have on society if left unchecked.
In a more than 3,000 word blog posted today, Amazon web services CEO Matt Garman pushed back on public concerns around the impact that data centers may have on jobs, power demands, and the environment, saying “our nation can’t afford to lose” the race for AI dominance.
Amazon is calling for people to support AI data center projects, or risk irreparable harm to the US economy and national security.
2021
AWS investigates discrimination complaints after employee petition
Company response
Amazon Web Services CEO Adam Selipsky launched an investigation into the division’s culture after employees signed a petition alleging systemic discrimination, harassment, bullying and bias in its Professional Services organization.
Company response
Investigation — Amazon Web Services
Amazon Web Services CEO Adam Selipsky has launched an investigation into the business segment’s culture
Source excerpt
Amazon Web Services CEO Adam Selipsky has launched an investigation into the business segment’s culture after more than 550 employees signed a petition accusing the cloud-services division of tolerating racial and sexual discrimination and harassment.
The petition alleges “an underlying culture of systemic discrimination, harassment, bullying and bias against women and under-represented groups” within AWS’s sales-related Professional Services organization, according to a copy of the petition seen by The Seattle Times.
2021
Parler sues Amazon over hosting suspension
Lawsuit filed
Parler sued Amazon in U.S. district court, alleging that Amazon's decision to suspend its web-hosting services was illegal and politically motivated. Amazon said the lawsuit had no merit.
Stated objective. restore its service
Company response
Denial — Amazon
Amazon said the lawsuit has no merit.
Source excerpt
Parler LLC, a social networking service favoured by many supporters of United States President Donald Trump, sued Amazon.com Inc on Monday, accusing its internet hosting service of making an illegal, politically motivated decision to shut down its account.
Parler wants a court order requiring Amazon to reinstate its account and provide services it had contracted for. It is also seeking unspecified triple damages.
The social platform Parler sued Amazon on Monday after the tech giant's web division forced the conservative-favored network offline for failing to rein in incitements to violence.
2019
AWS sued over alleged biometric privacy violations
Lawsuit filed
A complaint filed in Cook County Circuit Court alleges that Amazon Web Services violated Illinois biometric privacy requirements by storing biometric information for a commercial customer without providing required notice or obtaining informed consent. The allegations are presented as claims in a lawsuit and are not presented as a court determination. The complaint concerns the storage of biometric information on behalf of a commercial customer under Illinois biometric privacy rules.
A complaint in Cook County Circuit Court alleges that Amazon Web Services violated Illinois biometric privacy requirements by storing biometric information for a commercial customer without providing required notice or obtaining informed consent. The allegations are not presented as a court determination.
Source excerpt
The complaint alleges AWS violated BIPA’s informed consent rules by not providing information to the plaintiff or other potential members of the class, according to the complaint in Cook County Circuit Court.
AWS provides cloud storage for companies handling biometric information, and is accused of storing information on behalf of a commercial customer, without providing notification of its practices.
“There is no merit to these claims,” an AWS spokesperson said in a statement.