Company Directory - Amazon Web Services, Inc.
Company Details - Amazon Web Services, Inc.
Amazon Web Services, Inc.
WebsiteSeattle, United States
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a subsidiary of Amazon that provides on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs to individuals, companies, and governments. It offers a broad set of cloud-based products including computing power, storage, databases, analytics, networking, mobile, and enterprise applications designed to help businesses scale and grow.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Amazon Web Services, Inc.
-35.16
0.02%
Latest Event
AWS Collaboration in Federal Digital Transformation Raises Concerns
Amazon Web Services expanded its role through a collaboration with General Dynamics Information Technology to enhance federal agency cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud migration capabilities. Critics argue that by bolstering digital infrastructure for government agencies, AWS may inadvertently support increased state surveillance and the underpinning of authoritarian power structures.
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TOADIE
Amazon Web Services, Inc. is currently rated as a Toadie.
Latest Events
- MAR262025
Amazon Web Services expanded its role through a collaboration with General Dynamics Information Technology to enhance federal agency cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud migration capabilities. Critics argue that by bolstering digital infrastructure for government agencies, AWS may inadvertently support increased state surveillance and the underpinning of authoritarian power structures.
- MAR252025
A PAC profile from OpenSecrets highlights the political contributions channeled through Amazon.com, which may extend to the operations of its subsidiary, AWS. Such financial engagements in the U.S. political arena raise concerns about corporate complicity in bolstering authoritarian practices through the influence of money in politics.
-30
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 25
The OpenSecrets PAC profile reveals that Amazon.com, as the parent entity overseeing AWS, directs significant political contributions and lobbying efforts. Such actions can be seen as contributing to a political environment that may favor authoritarian practices, thereby undermining democratic processes and accountability.
- MAR202025
OpenSecrets data reveals that a significant portion of Amazon.com lobbyists are former government employees, raising concerns about regulatory capture and undue political influence that may buttress authoritarian practices. Although this profile targets Amazon.com, as part of the broader Amazon conglomerate, AWS is indirectly connected to these political engagements.
-50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 26
The OpenSecrets profile details how Amazon.com's lobbying efforts – with a notable revolving door of former government officials – indicate problematic political contributions that can influence policy in ways that favor authoritarian strategies. This pattern, while indirectly linked to AWS, casts a shadow over the conglomerate's political influence.
- FEB192025
A detailed review of Amazon's lobbying practices, as reported by OpenSecrets, underscores concerns that AWS, as a key subsidiary of Amazon, is involved in significant political contributions and lobbying that may undermine democratic processes and support authoritarian policies.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 25
The OpenSecrets profile exposes Amazon’s extensive lobbying efforts through its parent company, reflecting political contributions that may influence legislative processes in favor of corporate interests. This involvement raises concerns about democratic accountability and positions AWS in a negative light from an anti-fascist perspective.
- FEB062025
OpenSecrets data reveals that Amazon, the parent company of AWS, channels significant political contributions that may indirectly bolster authoritarian practices. The disclosed contributions are seen as an effort to influence political outcomes in favor of policies that undermine democratic processes, aligning with patterns of corporate complicity in the rise of fascism.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 26
The OpenSecrets profile for Amazon.com discloses extensive political contributions and lobbying activities. From a left-leaning perspective, such financial engagements can be interpreted as attempts to shape political outcomes that favor authoritarian regimes. While the data does not explicitly detail targeted support for fascist policies, the high volume of contributions raises concerns about corporate influence on democratic processes and the potential erosion of accountability in politics.
- FEB062025
Amazon.com PAC donated $799,000 to federal candidates in the 2023-2024 election cycle. This sizeable contribution raises concerns about corporate influence in politics and the potential enabling of policies that may undermine democratic norms during a period marked by rising authoritarianism.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 26
The reported $799,000 donation from the Amazon.com PAC to federal candidates during the 2023-2024 election cycle indicates a significant level of corporate political activity. This contribution is concerning from an anti-fascist perspective because it illustrates how large sums of money can be used to potentially influence policy outcomes, thereby supporting systems that might enable authoritarian practices. In the current environment of rising authoritarianism, such political contributions can erode democratic norms and may be seen as indirectly facilitating fascist tendencies.
Amazon.com PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates • OpenSecrets
- JAN222025
A recent filing disclosed that AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC, a subsidiary of Amazon Web Services, spent $4,670,000 on lobbying activities during Q4 2024. The lobbying efforts targeted a wide range of policy areas, including issues related to cybersecurity, IT modernization, government procurement, and various legislative acts.
-60
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 28
The disclosure of $4.67 million in lobbying expenditures indicates a significant effort by the subsidiary to influence public policy across multiple sectors. Such an extensive lobbying campaign can undermine democratic accountability by prioritizing corporate interests over those of workers and marginalized communities. From an anti-fascist perspective, this level of political influence is concerning as it may advance policies that entrench corporate power and contribute to authoritarian tendencies.
Lobbying Update: $4,670,000 of AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC lobbying was just disclosed
- JAN172025
The article highlights that at its JFK8 facility in Staten Island, NY, Amazon has aggressively undermined unionization efforts by dismissing union-supporting managers, refusing to recognize the independent union election, and delaying collective bargaining, leaving over 8,000 workers without representation.
-90
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 28
Amazon’s tactics at the JFK8 facility, including firing supportive managers and refusing to honor a legitimate union vote, represent severe anti-worker behavior. These measures actively suppress workers' rights and undermine union organizing efforts, reflecting a profound disregard for fair labor practices.
- DEC132024
Workers at Amazon's first-ever unionized warehouse voted to authorize a strike, highlighting ongoing disputes over union recognition and contract negotiations. The article details Amazon's legal efforts to challenge union certification and delays in contract negotiations, raising serious concerns about labor rights and ethical responsibilities.
-60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 26
The article exposes troubling labor relations practices, where Amazon (and by extension its affiliated divisions) is depicted as opposing unionization efforts, intimidating workers, and engaging in legal challenges to undermine worker rights. Such actions are seen as part of a broader pattern of labor exploitation that contributes to authoritarian corporate practices.
Amazon workers authorize strike at company's first-ever unionized warehouse
- NOV252024
The article outlines Amazon's systematic efforts to bypass labor laws and undermine unionization, including evading direct employment responsibilities and legally challenging worker protections. These actions reflect a broader pattern of corporate intimidation and contribute to a political climate that favors authoritarian business practices.
- NOV122024
A federal lawsuit filed against Amazon alleges systemic racial and gender discrimination within its AWS division, highlighting claims that Black and female employees face lower pay, limited career advancement, and harassment, which starkly contrasts with its public commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
-60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 25
The lawsuit alleges that AWS maintains a racially and gender-biased workplace where Black and female employees are relegated to lower-paying roles and face extended delays in promotions. This discrepancy between the company's public advocacy for diversity and its internal practices undermines its ethical responsibilities in labor relations and human rights.
- OCT012024
Analysis of political spending during the 2023-2024 election cycle shows that Amazon, the parent company of AWS, contributed at least $180,500 to election deniers out of $731,000 in political donations. This event raises concerns that funds are being allocated to figures who deny the legitimacy of elections, potentially bolstering authoritarian and anti-democratic practices.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 25
The reported contributions to election deniers indicate a troubling alignment with authoritarian figures. By providing significant funding—as confirmed by data from States United Action—these political contributions undermine democratic norms and support narratives that could lead to the rise of authoritarian practices. This behavior falls under the 'Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts' category and is deeply concerning from a public and political behavior standpoint.
- OCT012024
An analysis from United for Respect reveals that Amazon contributed significant funds to election deniers during the 2024 electoral cycle, raising concerns over the company’s role in supporting political actors that undermine democratic norms. Such spending is seen as supporting authoritarian tendencies by bolstering candidates and campaigns associated with undermining democratic institutions.
-50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 26
Data from States United Action indicates that Amazon donated at least $180,500 to election deniers, out of a total of $731,000 given to politicians and campaigns. This contribution pattern supports political actors who challenge democratic processes and can be seen as indirectly reinforcing authoritarian ideologies. Such political contributions and lobbying efforts are deeply concerning from the standpoint of public and political behavior.
- JUL102024
AWS has been identified as a provider of cloud services that store vast amounts of intelligence data for the Israeli military, facilitating mass surveillance and supporting operational decisions during the Gaza conflict.
-80
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 28
Amazon Web Services is implicated in enabling extensive military surveillance and intelligence capabilities by providing unlimited cloud storage and AI services to the Israeli military. This support enhances the military's capacity for mass data collection and targeting, contributing to operations that have led to civilian harm, which aligns with repressive uses of technology.
Report: IDF using Amazon cloud to store intel on 'everyone' in Gaza
- JUL102024
Reports indicate that Amazon Web Services provided extensive cloud storage, including a server farm used to house intelligence data for Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate. The storage has played a key role in the army’s operations in Gaza, contributing to target confirmation and surveillance, and the company’s involvement in the lucrative Project Nimbus further underscores its economic collaboration with the military.
-80
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 28
AWS’s cloud services are reported to have been used to store massive amounts of intelligence data. This data facilitated military operations, including target identification and confirmation of strikes, which contributed to civilian harm. Such deployment of technology as a ‘weapons platform’ marks a clear case of providing repressive technologies.
Israeli Army Uses Tech Giants’s Services for Its War on Gaza – Report
-70
Economic Collaboration
March 28
AWS’s role in securing the Project Nimbus contract with the Israeli government demonstrates economic collaboration with a regime engaged in aggressive military activities. This large-scale contract not only solidifies AWS's market position but also directly supports government practices that facilitate repressive military actions.
Israeli Army Uses Tech Giants’s Services for Its War on Gaza – Report
- MAY022024
A federal administrative law judge ruled that Amazon CEO Andy Jassy violated federal labor law by making anti-union comments during media interviews. This decision highlights concerning labor practices at Amazon that undermine workers' rights and obstruct unionization efforts.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 26
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's remarks during media interviews were found to be anti-union and a violation of federal labor law. This behavior not only suppresses workers' rights but also discourages unionization efforts, contributing to a work culture that can facilitate authoritarian practices in corporate governance.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's comments about unions violated federal law, NLRB judge rules
- FEB222024
Amazon acknowledged violations in its supply chain standards in Saudi Arabia where contracted workers were exploited by being charged recruitment fees. In response, the company has taken remedial measures by partnering with a human rights expert to expedite reimbursement and address systemic issues in its value chain.
- FEB222024
Amazon addressed reported violations in their supply chain standards involving contracted workers in Saudi Arabia by partnering with a third‐party human rights expert to expedite reimbursements for exploitative recruitment fees. While the corrective action is a positive step, the incident underscores systemic failures in protecting labor rights within the supply chain.
+30
Supply Chain Ethics
March 25
The incident involved violations of supply chain standards where contracted workers were forced to pay recruitment fees, a clear breach of ethical labor practices. Although Amazon has initiated remedial measures by partnering with a human rights expert, the episode reveals significant gaps in their supply chain oversight and ethical sourcing practices.
+35
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 25
The violation highlights shortcomings in labor relations and human rights practices, as contracted workers were subjected to exploitative recruitment fees. Even though remedial actions have been taken, the event exposes systemic labor issues that need substantial reform to ensure the dignity and rights of all workers within the value chain.
- JAN152023
Following a federal labor ruling ordering negotiations with a unionized Amazon warehouse on Staten Island, the company formally requested a review of that decision, effectively stalling collective bargaining and undermining workers' rights.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 28
Amazon's action to delay union contract negotiations—by requesting a review of a federal labor ruling—demonstrates resistance to workers' demands for fair bargaining. This behavior undercuts labor rights and reinforces anti-union practices, earning a strongly negative score from a progressive, anti-authoritarian perspective.
Amazon workers unionized a year ago and still face an uphill climb - NPR
- JAN012023
The article outlines Amazon's commitment to ethical supply chain practices, explicitly prohibiting child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking, while engaging with suppliers to promote safe and respectful working environments.
+80
Supply Chain Ethics
March 28
The article details Amazon's proactive measures to ensure its supply chain is free from human rights abuses such as child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking, thereby reinforcing ethical business practices. This commitment enhances workers’ rights and aligns with anti-authoritarian principles by preventing exploitative practices.
- DEC312021
In 2021, Amazon and its subsidiaries, including AWS, spent a record $20.3 million on federal lobbying efforts. This aggressive expenditure was aimed at influencing legislation and blocking regulations that target the market dominance of large tech companies, thereby contributing to an environment favorable to authoritarian practices.
-80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 25
The record spending of $20.3 million on federal lobbying in 2021 by Amazon demonstrates a significant effort to influence policy in ways that favor deregulation and corporate control. This raises concerns about the company’s role in undermining democratic accountability and facilitating structures that enable authoritarian practices. Such aggressive lobbying aligns with broader critiques of corporate complicity in reinforcing anti-democratic power dynamics.
Amazon, Meta report record lobbying spending in 2021 - The Hill
- AUG282021
Amazon Web Services disabled a website hosting ISIS propaganda that celebrated a deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, after it was pointed out to have violated their Acceptable Use Policy. This decisive action, though reactive to complaints, demonstrates AWS's commitment to countering extremist content on its platform.
- JUL232021
Following an employee petition citing systemic discrimination, harassment, bullying, and retaliatory practices within its AWS unit, Amazon is conducting an independent investigation. Concerns include documented cases of gender and racial bias that may reflect broader labor rights and human rights issues.
-40
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 25
The allegations and employee petition reveal a systemic culture of discrimination and harassment within the AWS unit. Such practices not only harm workers but may also undermine efforts to promote healthy, egalitarian labor relations. The company's response, including investigation and retention of an outside firm, is a remedial step but the severity and recurrence of these issues warrant a negative rating regarding labor relations and human rights practices.
Amazon to investigate allegations of harassment and discrimination in its AWS unit
- JUN182021
Amazon Web Services, through its cloud services, is implicated in expanding a surveillance network (Sidewalk) that enables opt-out surveillance and strengthens government and corporate overreach in data collection, undermining user privacy and facilitating authoritarian surveillance practices.
-50
Public and Political Behavior
March 26
AWS facilitates government and law enforcement surveillance through its cloud services, providing infrastructure that supports unchecked surveillance operations. The lack of transparency and default opt-out nature of the system undermines public accountability, indirectly bolstering authoritarian practices.
Sidewalk: The Next Frontier Of Amazon's Surveillance Infrastructure
-60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 26
The opt-out default setting in the Sidewalk initiative reflects a disregard for consumer consent and privacy. By not requiring active user opt-in, AWS is implicated in business practices that compromise ethical responsibility and the protection of user data.
Sidewalk: The Next Frontier Of Amazon's Surveillance Infrastructure
-80
Technology and Services Impact
March 26
AWS underpins the technological framework for surveillance by hosting cloud infrastructure that is integral to the Sidewalk network. This facilitates the mass collection of personal data and supports technologies that enable pervasive surveillance, directly impacting civil liberties.
Sidewalk: The Next Frontier Of Amazon's Surveillance Infrastructure
-40
Economic and Structural Influence
March 26
AWS's involvement in government contracts and its support for law enforcement surveillance through its cloud services contribute to an economic and structural framework that bolsters authoritarian approaches. The company's practices, while financially profitable, underpin a system that favors state surveillance over public welfare.
Sidewalk: The Next Frontier Of Amazon's Surveillance Infrastructure
- JAN102021
On January 10, 2021, Amazon Web Services announced it would cut off services to Parler after the social media platform violated its terms of service by inciting violence. This move removed an infrastructure provider for a platform widely used by conservatives and extremists, reflecting a stance against hate and the promotion of extremist rhetoric.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
March 28
AWS's decision to cut off Parler reflects a strong public stance against platforms that enable extremist and violent rhetoric. By denying service to an organization associated with inciting violence and hate, the company demonstrates a commitment to countering extremist influences, aligning with anti-fascist and progressive values.
Amazon will cut off Parler from AWS for violating terms of service – GeekWire
+65
Technology and Services Impact
March 28
By leveraging its technological infrastructure to restrict service to a platform linked to extremist actions, AWS underscores the responsibility of technology providers in curbing the spread of extremist content and ensuring that their tools are not used to facilitate hate or violence.
Amazon will cut off Parler from AWS for violating terms of service – GeekWire
- SEP252020
A VentureBeat article details a suite of new Amazon surveillance products, including Alexa Guard Plus, a swiveling Echo Home 10, and drone-based home monitoring systems. These initiatives signal an expansion into surveillance-as-a-service, normalizing pervasive surveillance and potentially enabling authoritarian practices by easing access for law enforcement and governments.
-70
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 26
Amazon's rollout of surveillance products such as Alexa Guard Plus and the Echo Home 10 demonstrates a clear shift towards embedding surveillance in consumer technology. By normalizing these intrusive devices, Amazon is indirectly supporting systems that could be repurposed by authoritarian regimes or law enforcement to undermine privacy and civil liberties. This practice falls under Provision of Repressive Technologies, a subset of Technology and Services Impact, where the deployment of such tools may facilitate state surveillance and repression.
- DEC012019
The article highlights Amazon Web Services' role in hosting critical databases for the Department of Homeland Security, which are used to track and apprehend immigrants. This involvement, along with partnerships with firms like Palantir that work with repressive government agencies, underscores concerns about AWS indirectly supporting authoritarian practices.
-80
Technology and Services Impact
March 26
Amazon Web Services provides cloud infrastructure that hosts the DHS databases, enabling surveillance and tracking of immigrants. This service is a clear example of how technology can be complicit in enabling authoritarian practices, raising serious ethical and human rights concerns.
-60
Economic and Structural Influence
March 26
AWS's role extends beyond technology provision; its economic collaboration with repressive state apparatus is evident through its contract to host government data and its indirect partnership with companies like Palantir. This financial and infrastructural support bolsters authoritarian enforcement mechanisms, reflecting a troubling economic influence.
- DEC012019
An investigation by Green America criticizes the role of Amazon Web Services in hosting the Department of Homeland Security databases, enabling surveillance practices that track and apprehend immigrants. This involvement raises serious concerns about AWS's complicity in supporting authoritarian and repressive actions.
-70
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 25
The article highlights that Amazon Web Services hosts critical databases for the Department of Homeland Security, a function that effectively enables surveillance and repression of immigrant communities. This role in facilitating state surveillance aligns with the provision of repressive technologies, contributing negatively to human rights and bolstering authoritarian practices. Given the weight of technology in supporting oppressive measures, AWS is rated significantly negative in this context.
- MAY012018
Amazon Web Services has disabled its domain fronting service, a tool that allowed censorship-evasion apps like Signal to bypass state-level internet restrictions. The decision, justified as a measure to ensure that CloudFront only serves legitimate domain owners, has sparked concerns that it could hinder free communication for users in repressive regimes.
-60
Public and Political Behavior
March 28
By discontinuing domain fronting, AWS undermines a key tool used by dissidents and marginalized groups to circumvent censorship, potentially aiding authoritarian control over free communication. This political decision negatively impacts the public's ability to engage in free expression.
Amazon's AWS just kicked some censorship-evading apps to the curb
-70
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 28
AWS's removal of the domain fronting capability restricts a technological feature that many encryption and anonymity apps depend upon to bypass surveillance and censorship, thereby indirectly bolstering authoritarian control over information flow.
Amazon's AWS just kicked some censorship-evading apps to the curb
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