The French Data Protection Authority (CNIL) has fined Amazon France Logistique €32 million (AU 53 million) for implementing a surveillance system deemed excessively intrusive.
The system closely monitors employee activity, including parcel processing rates and breaks, leading to continuous pressure on employees. The CNIL found it excessive to retain all collected data for 31 days.
Amazon was fined under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regulations, and corresponds to around 3% of the French company's turnover - a significant amount given that the maximum fine was set at 4%.
The company was also fined for inadequate employee notification about its video surveillance system.
Amazon's warehouses have been criticised for poor working conditions, with high rates of workplace accidents and employee-reported physical pain and stress.
Amazon is disputing the CNIL's findings, stating the system is common practice for ‘safety and efficiency’. The company has the option to appeal, while the CNIL may conduct further investigations.
Source: etui, 9 February