Thousands of Amazon employees have collectively voiced serious concerns over the company’s rapid deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in an open letter addressed to CEO Andy Jassy. The letter, published on November 26, highlights worries about the consequences of Amazon’s accelerated AI rollout on democracy, climate goals, workers’ job security, and ethical standards.
Over 1,000 Amazon workers who play integral roles in developing, training, and using AI within the company signed the letter, urging leadership to reconsider the current “all costs-justified, warp-speed” approach to AI. They warn that this unchecked pace could inflict significant damage not only to the environment but also to the workforce and democratic values worldwide.
Central to the employees’ concerns is Amazon’s deprioritization of climate commitments in the pursuit of AI advancements. They argue that expanding AI initiatives without sustainable energy considerations contradicts Amazon’s prior environmental promises. Additionally, the letter highlights the growing expectations for employees to integrate AI into their workflows with increased output demands and tighter deadlines, often for projects they deem futile or unsustainable.
The workforce also objects to the company’s strategic direction where AI could potentially replace human roles, despite CEO Andy Jassy’s assurances that remaining jobs would be “more exciting and fun.” Instead, employees report experiencing mounting pressure, a lack of investment in their career growth, and a rise in mandated AI tool development aimed at operational cost-cutting rather than meaningful innovation.
Beyond internal labor issues, the letter raises ethical alarms about Amazon contributing to a militarized surveillance state. Signatories express deep unease about AI applications that could facilitate mass deportations, violence, and intrusive surveillance, opposing any role for such technologies in these areas.
The open letter calls on Amazon’s leadership to commit to three key safeguards before proceeding further with AI integration:
- No AI powered by dirty energy – Ensuring AI development aligns with environmental sustainability goals.
- No AI without employee voices – Granting workers meaningful participation in decisions about AI tools they develop and use.
- No AI for violence, surveillance, or mass deportation – Restricting AI applications that could harm human rights or civil liberties.
This internal pushback emerges amid broader industry debates over AI ethics and governance, intensified by Amazon’s recent layoffs and heightened focus on automation. Amazon has publicly committed to embedding AI across its operations, promising higher efficiency and innovation. However, employees insist that without sufficient guardrails, the technological race risks ignoring its social and environmental costs.
In summary, the letter demands a shift in how Amazon balances AI innovation with accountability, emphasizing the need for transparent policies that respect workers’ rights, protect the planet, and uphold ethical standards. The workers’ action underscores a growing trend of tech employees advocating for responsible AI development from within their organizations.