Amazon’s dark side: Five controversies that shook Jeff Bezos' company

Amazon is one of the most influential companies of the 21st century. From revolutionising online shopping to building a trillion-dollar empire through AWS, Alexa, and Prime, Jeff Bezos’ tech company’s dominance in global commerce is undeniable.

Yet, behind the success lies a series of controversies that have raised serious concerns about its ethics, labour practices, and competitive strategies.

Here are five of the most high-profile controversies that continue to define the company’s darker side.

1. The “one-click” patent war

In the early 2000s, Amazon sparked outrage in the tech community by aggressively defending its “1-Click” purchasing patent.

The company sued competitor Barnes & Noble, claiming infringement, which triggered backlash from internet pioneers and open-source advocates.

Critics accused Amazon of stifling innovation and using patents as weapons rather than protective measures. 

The controversy ultimately led to widespread calls for patent reform.

2. Labour rights and worker treatment

Perhaps the most persistent criticism Amazon faces is its treatment of warehouse workers. 

Reports of worse working conditions, timed bathroom breaks, and high injury rates have repeatedly surfaced.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company faced intense scrutiny for inadequate worker protections while reaping record profits.

3. The Canadian flag doormat scandal

In 2017, Amazon Canada listed doormats featuring the Indian national flag, sparking outrage in India.

The move was deemed disrespectful and offensive, leading India’s External Affairs Minister at the time, Sushma Swaraj, to demand an immediate apology.

She even threatened to revoke visas for Amazon officials unless the products were removed.

4. The Hachette publishing dispute

Amazon’s battle with Hachette in 2014 shed light on its aggressive pricing tactics in the book industry.

By delaying shipments and removing pre-order options for Hachette titles, Amazon attempted to pressure the publisher into lowering e-book prices.

Renowned authors like Stephen King and John Grisham publicly criticised Amazon, accusing it of censorship and exploiting writers.

5. Antitrust investigations and market manipulation

Amazon has repeatedly been accused of abusing its market power to crush competitors. 

Investigations in the US, Europe, and India revealed that the company used third-party seller data to create competing private-label products while promoting its own brands over others.

In 2020, the US House Antitrust Subcommittee accused Amazon of holding monopoly power, fueling debates on whether the company should be broken up.