Amazon.com has appealed against the decision of the French regulator CNIL to fine the company €32 million ($34.58 million) for implementing a system to monitor employee activity and performance.
The fine was imposed on Amazon France Logistique, which manages Amazon’s warehouses in France, following CNIL’s assessment of the surveillance system as “excessively intrusive.”
Disagreement and Appeal:
Amazon vehemently disagrees with CNIL’s findings, describing them as “factually incorrect.” The company has appealed to the Council of State to challenge the regulator’s conclusions.
The fine CNIL imposed in January stemmed from concerns over the extent of surveillance implemented by Amazon France Logistique. The regulatory body deemed the surveillance system overly invasive, prompting the substantial penalty.
Lack of Immediate Response from CNIL:
As of the time of this reporting, CNIL has not responded to Reuters’ request for comment on Amazon’s appeal. The regulator’s absence suggests ongoing legal proceedings and potential deliberations regarding the appeal.
The appeal signifies Amazon’s commitment to contesting CNIL’s decision through legal channels. The case underscores broader debates surrounding employee privacy, surveillance practices, and regulatory oversight in the e-commerce sector.