Amazon Investigates Employees for Opposing AI Data Centers – Here's How They Defend Themselves
In the USA, several Amazon employees have opposed the construction of additional data centers. They are now reportedly being targeted by the company. Here's how they are defending themselves.
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In the USA, several Amazon employees have spoken out against the construction of additional data centers. As a result, they are now reportedly being targeted by the company. Here's how they are defending themselves.
On June 9, 2026, the Seattle City Council made a unanimous decision. The construction of new data centers in the area around the city is initially halted for a whole year. During this "moratorium," regulations are to be drafted to protect residents and the environment from the impacts of resource-hungry data centers.
Amazon Summons Employees for Discussion
Prior to the decision, a public hearing took place, as reported by CNBC. Five Amazon employees were present, expressing their views on AI data centers. They opposed the rapid expansion of new data centers, describing the plans as "AI expansion that justifies all costs."
Following the hearing and decision, three of the employees were invited to separate Zoom meetings with an HR representative from Amazon. The official reportedly told them that investigations were being conducted regarding their statements before the city council, as these had raised concerns within the company.
According to the investigation leader, the inquiries could lead to disciplinary measures. One of the Amazon employees was even informed that termination could be on the table. An Amazon spokesperson told CNBC that there had been no such claims. There are no plans to terminate the employees, and Amazon would not tolerate retaliation as a measure. However, the investigations are indeed taking place.
The Amazon employees have now filed a lawsuit with the Seattle Office for Civil Rights. They accuse the company of violating laws that prohibit discrimination against employees based on their political ideology, ancestry, religion, or age. The Amazon spokesperson stated to CNBC that it is not fundamentally about them expressing their opinions.
According to the company's policies, employees may only speak publicly in their capacity as Amazon employees under specific conditions. The investigation aims to determine whether it appeared to the city council that the employees were acting as Amazon representatives rather than as private individuals. Darius Irani, one of the employees who spoke before the city council, stated: "All I did was testify because I believe it is critically important for the government to regulate data centers and AI. Workers should be involved in these conversations."
