Over 1,000 Amazon workers express concerns about the company's AI impact on democracy, jobs, and the environment

More than one thousand Amazon employees have issued a public letter to CEO Andy Jassy and the companys senior leadership, expressing deep concern about the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence inside the organization.

The document, released last week, includes signatures from workers across many roles, ranging from Whole Foods cashier staff to internal IT support teams. While the number represents only a small portion of Amazons overall workforce of approximately 1.53 million people, the message reflects growing internal anxiety about the companys direction.

According to the letter, employees believe Amazon is prioritizing AI development at the expense of its environmental commitments, compelling workers to use AI tools even as human positions are reduced and large sums are redirected into AI-focused projects. The authors also warn that Amazons technologies could contribute to increased surveillance and a more militarized state with fewer protections for everyday citizens.

In the letter, employees state that the accelerated deployment of AI is happening during a period of global political instability and at a crucial moment for addressing climate change. They argue that pursuing AI advancement at any cost could severely damage democratic systems, undermine job security, and worsen environmental degradation.

The group points out that Amazons global carbon emissions have risen since 2019, despite the companys pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2040. In response to such criticism, Amazon has stated that it has not abandoned its climate goals and maintains a strong commitment to sustainability initiatives.

The company has emphasized its investments in cleaner energy solutions, including support for advanced nuclear power agreements and participation in more than 600 renewable energy projects around the world. Amazon has also said it is working to improve the energy efficiency of its operations, particularly in data centers. Nevertheless, its carbon output increased by 6% last year, partly due to the rapid expansion of those facilities.

In November, Amazon revealed plans to invest up to $50 billion in AI and supercomputing infrastructure aimed at serving U.S. government clients through Amazon Web Services, starting in 2026. Additional reports have indicated that nearly $150 billion may be spent on data center expansion over the next 15 years.

During the companys third-quarter earnings call, Amazons chief financial officer noted that almost $90 billion had already been spent in the current year, largely to strengthen AWS and support rising demand for AI-based services and essential technology infrastructure.

At the same time, Amazon announced in October that it would eliminate around 14,000 corporate positions as part of a broader restructuring linked to increased reliance on artificial intelligence. Estimates suggest that total job reductions could eventually reach 30,000 roles, marking the largest workforce reduction in the companys history.

In an internal memo, a senior executive explained that AI represents the most transformative technological shift since the rise of the Internet, enabling faster innovation and reshaping how businesses operate.

Employees, however, argue that those who remain are now expected to work harder and faster with fewer resources. They claim they are often instructed to build AI tools even when such technology is unnecessary, while professional development and career support receive far less attention than AI investments.

The letter also raises alarm over the transformation of Amazons Ring doorbell division into an AI-centered platform and the possible return of tools that allow law enforcement to easily request access to recorded footage. Workers fear this could hand excessive power to both governments and private corporations, increasing the risk of abuse.

As part of their demands, the signatories call on Amazon to publish a clear plan to operate all data centers using renewable energy, involve employees in decisions regarding AI use across the company, and formally commit to preventing its AI technologies from being used for violence, mass surveillance, or deportation efforts.

The authors conclude that they want artificial intelligence to improve quality of life, giving people more time for rest, creativity, connection, and safety not to reinforce fear, control, or inequality.

Author: Harper Simmons