The Secrets of Amazon

Lifting the lid on the world's largest online retailer

The Secrets of Amazon Thanks to Amazon, it has never been easier to shop online. But with growing concerns over poor working conditions and privacy issues, the real cost of next day delivery might not be what you think. Dispatches investigates.
Amazon is the most valuable public company in the world, accounting for a third of online purchases in the UK. However, its rise has been controversial, with allegations of poor working conditions, intrusive internet tracking, tax avoidance and unsafe products. "I was offered books that talk about living off light, breath and water alone, and zero food. This is clearly not safe", says dietitian Dimple Thakrar. Undercover in an Amazon warehouse, the workers' every move is tracked. Amazon also track their customers' sensitive internet search history, including mental health searches. "There is a reason this is protected information", says technology policy expert Frederike Kaltheuner. "Knowing someone is depressed means you can target them when they are at their most vulnerable." While Amazon have been under fire for avoiding tax in the UK, Professor Judith Freedman claims it's time for the government to act on the issue: "The international tax system doesn't work as well as it used to and certainly needs to be redesigned.
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