Amazon challenges CNIL’s fine over surveillance system

E-commerce firm Amazon.com said on Friday it had demanded French regulator CNIL’s decision to penalize the company 32 million euros ($34.58 million) for setting up a system to watch worker activity and performance.

In January, the French data protection authority, CNIL, levied a fine against Amazon France Logistique, the entity responsible for managing Amazon’s warehouses in France. The CNIL accused the company of operating an “excessively intrusive” surveillance system.

Amazon’s Response:

Amazon swiftly responded to the fine, expressing strong disagreement with the CNIL’s conclusions. The tech giant labeled the allegations as “factually incorrect” and promptly filed an appeal before the Council of State.

CNIL’s Silence:

Also read: STARBUCKS FACES LAWSUIT OVER EXTRA CHARGES FOR NON-DAIRY MILK

As of now, the CNIL has not provided any immediate response to Reuters’ request for comment regarding Amazon’s appeal. The regulator’s stance on the matter remains undisclosed.

This legal dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between tech companies and regulators regarding data privacy and surveillance practices. 

As the appeal process unfolds, the outcome will shed light on the extent of regulatory oversight over tech giants’ operations in France and beyond.