Privacy Guarantor to Amazon: Stop Filing Workers

The Garante per la protezione dei dati personali (Italian Data Protection Authority) prohibited, as a matter of urgency and with immediate effect, Amazon Italia Logistica srl from processing the personal data of more than 1,800 workers employed at its Passo Corese (RI) plant. The prohibition concerns information collected - systematically, for the entire duration of the employment relationship and retained for up to 10 years after its termination - through a platform connected with the attendance system, accessible to numerous managers.

The information, recorded on the platform following interviews with workers immediately after their return from a period of absence, refers to specific illnesses suffered (Chron's syndrome, herniated disc, pacemaker wearer), to participation in strikes and trade union activities (also with reference to deemed improper uses of absences), as well as to personal family and private data (terminally ill father, sister with brain tumour, marital separations)

All this in violation of the law prohibiting the employer from processing data that is not relevant to the evaluation of the employee's professional aptitude. Amazon Italia Logistica, moreover, will have to stop processing data collected through four cameras positioned near toilets and refreshment areas reserved for workers. In the same order, the Garante finally prohibited Amazon from processing data used unlawfully through the same platform, if it is used in the company's other logistics centres in Italia in a manner similar to what has been ascertained.

Today's intervention stems from the results of the inspections carried out by the Garante, from 9 to 12 February 2026, at the Passo Corese plant, in cooperation with the National Labour Inspectorate and the Special Unit for the Protection of Privacy and Technological Fraud of the Guardia di Finanza. The investigation is continuing to ascertain the remaining profiles under consideration by the Authority.

Here is the position issued by Amazon on the matter: 'We are examining the decision of the Italian Data Protection Authority with the utmost attention. We confirm our full cooperation and transparency towards the Authority. The protection of personal data is an absolute priority for us: we adopt dedicated internal policies, periodic training programmes and stringent operating rules to ensure compliance with current legislation. Should non-compliance profiles emerge from the analysis, we will promptly review our processes and procedures, promptly incorporating the Authority's indications, in order to ensure full compliance and the continuous strengthening of our data protection standards'.