The Indus Zone Tech Desk | New Delhi | November 30, 2025 — More than 1,000 employees of global e-commerce giant Amazon have issued a strong warning against the company’s fast-tracked artificial intelligence (AI) expansion, citing serious concerns over job security, environmental damage, and growing surveillance threats. The appeal was made through an open letter released amid large-scale layoffs and an aggressive push for AI adoption across Amazon’s operations.
Earlier this year, Amazon announced plans to eliminate nearly 14,000 corporate roles worldwide, intensifying fears among workers that automation could further accelerate job displacement.
Employees Say ‘Warp-Speed’ AI Rollout Is Dangerous
In the letter, staff members criticized what they described as an “all-costs-justified” approach to AI development, arguing that the rapid deployment is happening without proper safety, ethical, or social safeguards. Employees warned that unchecked AI growth could undermine democracy, weaken worker protections, and worsen the global climate crisis.
The statement has received wide backing, not only from Amazon workers but also from over 2,400 professionals across major tech firms including Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google.
Key Concerns: Climate Damage, Job Losses, and Surveillance
According to the signatories, Amazon’s AI strategy raises three core red flags:
- Environmental Impact:
Amazon has pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, but employee groups claim the company’s emissions have already risen by about 35% since 2019. Workers allege that the planned $150 billion investment in new AI data centres could deepen water shortages in drought-hit regions and increase dependence on coal and gas power plants. - Job Security and Workplace Pressure:
Employees argue that while AI tools are being forced into daily workflows, workers are simultaneously being pushed toward redundancy. They also claimed rising work pressure, shorter deadlines, growing burnout, and limited investment in skill development. - Expansion of Surveillance and Militarisation:
The letter accused Amazon of contributing to a broader surveillance ecosystem through AI tools used to monitor warehouse workers and consumers. It also raised alarm over alleged partnerships supporting autonomous weapons technologies and mass deportation efforts in the US.
Warehouse Workers ‘Most Affected’
The workers’ group stated that Amazon’s logistics employees are facing the harshest consequences, including increased monitoring, faster work speeds, higher injury risks, and emotional exhaustion. The letter also criticized Amazon’s legal actions related to labour protections in the US.
Call for Responsible AI Development
The employees urged Amazon’s leadership to adopt strict guardrails before scaling AI further. They put forward three major demands:
No AI powered by polluting energy
No AI developed without employee involvement
No AI used for violence, surveillance, or mass deportations
The signatories said their goal is not to stop AI entirely but to ensure its development is ethical, sustainable, and humane.
Support Grows Across the Tech Industry
The open letter is being hosted on a dedicated employee advocacy platform, where workers from multiple tech companies continue to add their signatures. Organizers claim that all signers’ personal details will remain confidential.
