Amazon ‘reviewing’ its website after it suggested bomb-making items
News comes days after a terrorist attack at an underground tube station in London
A British TV station said Amazon’s website was prompting customers to buy all the ingredients to make a bomb. PHOTO: AP
A British television investigation has revealed that the software algorithms of online retailer Amazon have been suggesting bomb-making ingredients to its customers. The report also said that the ingredients, sold separately, are frequently bought together.
The news comes merely days after a terrorist attack at an underground tube station in London. The attack involved a bomb inside of a plastic bag, which was placed in a bucket aboard a train, and was detonated during the rush hour in the morning.
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The report is the latest example of a technological giant coming under scrutiny in the media for encouraging or allowing extremist content on their website. Google and Facebook have faced similar allegations in the past.
Amazon customers shopping for cooking ingredients often get 'Frequently Bought Together' prompts which directs them to items that could help them make a homemade explosive.
Bought on their own, the items are not illegal, but there are examples of British government charging people with possession of explosive material in the past.
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Amazon said in a statement that all the products sold on its website “must adhere to our selling guidelines and we only sell products that comply with UK laws.”
“In light of recent events, we are reviewing our website to ensure that all these products are presented in an appropriate manner,” the statement added. “We also continue to work closely with police and law enforcement agencies when circumstances arise where we can assist their investigations.”
Amazon has declined to comment further on the issue.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times
The news comes merely days after a terrorist attack at an underground tube station in London. The attack involved a bomb inside of a plastic bag, which was placed in a bucket aboard a train, and was detonated during the rush hour in the morning.
Amazon working on 'smart glasses' as its first wearable device
The report is the latest example of a technological giant coming under scrutiny in the media for encouraging or allowing extremist content on their website. Google and Facebook have faced similar allegations in the past.
Amazon customers shopping for cooking ingredients often get 'Frequently Bought Together' prompts which directs them to items that could help them make a homemade explosive.
Bought on their own, the items are not illegal, but there are examples of British government charging people with possession of explosive material in the past.
Amazon to test one-hour catwalk-to-doorstep deliveries at Nicopanda show
Amazon said in a statement that all the products sold on its website “must adhere to our selling guidelines and we only sell products that comply with UK laws.”
“In light of recent events, we are reviewing our website to ensure that all these products are presented in an appropriate manner,” the statement added. “We also continue to work closely with police and law enforcement agencies when circumstances arise where we can assist their investigations.”
Amazon has declined to comment further on the issue.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times