tech
Amazon investigating engineers who criticized AI data center expansion
Five Amazon employees testified at Seattle City Council meetings where officials sought feedback on a year-long data center new construction pause.
TL;DR
- Amazon is investigating engineers who criticized the company's AI data center expansion and called for government regulation.
- The engineers testified at Seattle City Council meetings regarding a pause on new data center construction.
- Three employees were interviewed by HR regarding their testimony, with warnings of potential disciplinary action, including termination.
- The employees claim Amazon is monitoring their political advocacy and violating a Seattle ordinance against discrimination based on political ideology.
- Amazon spokesperson stated the company is investigating potential policy violations regarding how employees represented themselves, not retaliating.
- The engineers are part of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice (AECJ), which has previously advocated for climate action and worker protections.
- AI data centers face growing public backlash due to environmental and quality-of-life concerns.