Amazon has recently come under fire for allegedly concealing their true water usage across their various platforms, as revealed in leaked company memos from 2022. The tech giant has faced criticism for planning new data centers in water-stressed areas in Buckinghamshire. In response to this, Amazon announced plans for four new water replenishment plants in the US, Mexico, and England.
The diverse impact of Amazon’s operations has led to a coalition of trade unionists, tax justice advocates, environmentalists, and privacy campaigners coming together as part of the Make Amazon Pay initiative. This collaborative effort has sparked a wave of intersectional organizing aimed at holding Amazon accountable for their environmental practices.
In a bold move against the advertising frenzy surrounding Black Friday, activists from Brandalism and Everyone Hates Elon took action by hacking over 100 billboard, bus stop, and London Underground advertising sites. These subvertising actions aimed to draw attention to issues such as billionaire tax avoidance and the environmental impact of companies like Amazon.
European-wide protests against the outdoor advertising industry, known as the ‘ZAP Games’, have called for creative and humorous ways to repurpose commercial ad spaces. These actions are part of a larger movement to challenge consumerism and corporate influence on society.
Despite facing intense monitoring and suppression of their right to unionize, Amazon workers in 30 countries are planning strikes and walkouts during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. These actions are a testament to the courage of workers standing up against corporate power and unfair labor practices.
Amazon’s increasing use of surveillance technologies and collaboration with law enforcement agencies raise concerns about techno-authoritarianism. The company’s involvement in projects like ‘Project Nimbus’ with Israeli military officials highlights the dangers of Big Tech aligning with oppressive regimes.
The Make Amazon Pay coalition is working to push back against this trend and advocate for stronger labor, tax, and environmental regulations. As consumers, we are urged to be cautious of the marketing tactics used by companies like Amazon, especially during events like Black Friday where deals may not be as enticing as they seem.
Robbie Gillett, co-founder of Adfree Cities and member of the Make Amazon Pay coalition, emphasizes the importance of holding companies like Amazon accountable for their actions. By staying informed and supporting ethical practices, we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
