Amazon engineers investigated for criticizing AI data center growth

Several Amazon engineers are under internal investigation after publicly criticizing the company's rapid AI data center expansion and calling for stronger government regulation. Earlier this month, five employees testified at a Seattle City Council hearing, where the city was considering a one-year moratorium on new large data centers to develop regulations. The council unanimously passed the moratorium on June 9.

After the hearing, three employees were called to Zoom meetings with HR and told that concerns about their testimony had triggered an investigation. A complaint says the probe could lead to disciplinary action, including possible termination, leaving employees feeling threatened. They accuse Amazon of violating Seattle's anti-discrimination law, which protects political expression.

Amazon says it respects employees' right to express personal views but requires them to follow proper procedures when representing the company. A spokesperson denies plans to fire anyone or any retaliation, stating the company is investigating whether employees spoke as Amazon representatives rather than private citizens. One employee with over five years at Amazon says he doesn't regret speaking out, insisting that government regulation of data centers and AI is necessary.