Amazon has been fined €32m (£27m) in France for spying too much on its workers. The French data protection agency, called CNIL, found that Amazon was recording data from workers' handheld scanners in a way that was against the law. The investigation started because workers complained and the media talked about bad working conditions. The CNIL found several breaches of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including using a system with three alerts to watch what workers were doing, which was ruled to be illegal. Amazon disagrees with the decision and plans to appeal.

The CNIL also questioned why Amazon kept workers' data for 31 days. The watchdog found that Amazon was tracking workers so closely that they might have to explain every break they took. Amazon used the data from the scanners to plan work, evaluate workers, and give training. But the CNIL said Amazon didn't need to know all the little details of the data for these things. The watchdog also criticized Amazon for not telling workers and visitors about the spying and for not having enough security on its video surveillance.

This isn't the first time people have been worried about Amazon spying on workers. In the UK, a similar system for watching how much work employees did was talked about. Amazon's Europe policy chief, Brian Palmer, said workers could be fired if they got three warnings on the system. But later, Amazon said Palmer's statement wasn't completely true. A report by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee also raised concerns about using spying technology to set targets and watch workers, saying it could make people not trust their bosses and feel like they were being watched too closely.

The GMB union, which represents Amazon workers in the UK, said the fine showed that Amazon's staff were being watched too much. The CNIL's decision is a reminder that it's important to protect workers' privacy and make sure spying follows the rules. It also tells companies they need to be open and responsible when they use spying technology.

Original news source: Amazon fined for 'excessive' surveillance of workers (BBC)

– News Summary
Instructions: In pairs, students will read the article and then summarize the main points in their own words. They should focus on the key information and important details. Afterward, they can compare their summaries with a partner and discuss any differences.
– Opinion Poll
Instructions: In small groups, students will discuss their opinions on the topic of workplace surveillance and Amazon's actions. They should take turns sharing their thoughts and reasons behind their opinions. Then, they can conduct a poll within their group to see how many people agree or disagree with each opinion. Finally, they can present their findings to the class.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will select 5-10 vocabulary words from the article. They will take turns drawing pictures to represent each word while their partner(s) guess the word. They should try to use context clues from the article to help them guess the correct word.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will create a list of the pros and cons of workplace surveillance. They can use the article as a starting point for their discussion, but should also consider their own experiences and opinions. Afterward, they can share their lists and discuss their reasoning with the class.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will discuss and make predictions about the future of workplace surveillance. They should consider how advancements in technology and changing attitudes towards privacy may impact the use of surveillance in the workplace. They can share their predictions with the class and engage in a class discussion about the topic.

Amazon has been fined €32m (£27m) in France for spying too much on its ?. The French data protection agency, called CNIL, found that Amazon was recording data from workers' ? scanners in a way that was against the law. The ? started because workers ? and the media talked about bad working conditions. The CNIL found several breaches of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including using a system with three alerts to watch what workers were doing, which was ruled to be illegal. Amazon ? with the decision and plans to appeal. The CNIL also questioned why Amazon kept workers' data for 31 days. The watchdog ? that Amazon was ? workers so closely that they might have to explain every break they took. Amazon used the data from the scanners to plan work, evaluate workers, and give training. But the CNIL said Amazon didn't need to know all the little details of the data for these ?. The watchdog also criticized Amazon for not telling workers and visitors about the spying and for not having enough security on its video surveillance. This isn't the ? time people have been worried about Amazon spying on workers. In the UK, a similar system for ? how much work ? did was talked about. Amazon's Europe policy chief, Brian Palmer, said workers could be fired if they got three warnings on the system. But later, Amazon said Palmer's statement wasn't completely true. A report by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee also ? concerns about using ? technology to set targets and watch workers, saying it could make people not trust their bosses and feel like they were being ? too closely. The GMB union, which represents ? workers in the UK, said the fine showed that Amazon's staff were being watched too much. The CNIL's decision is a reminder that it's important to ? workers' privacy and make sure spying follows the rules. It also tells companies they need to be open and responsible when they use spying technology.

1. What is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and why is it important?
2. How would you feel if your employer recorded data from your handheld scanner without your knowledge?
3. Do you think it is fair for Amazon to track workers so closely that they have to explain every break they take? Why or why not?
4. What do you think about Amazon using data from scanners to evaluate workers and give training? Is it a good idea or not? Why?
5. How do you think workers and visitors would feel if they found out they were being spied on without their knowledge?
6. Do you think it is necessary for Amazon to keep workers' data for 31 days? Why or why not?
7. What are some potential negative consequences of using spying technology to set targets and watch workers?
8. How do you think workers' privacy can be protected in the workplace?
9. Do you think it is important for companies to be open and responsible when using spying technology? Why or why not?
10. Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt like you were being watched too closely at work or school? Can you share your experience?
11. How would you react if your employer implemented a similar system for watching how much work you do? Would you be worried or not? Why?
12. What measures do you think companies should take to ensure the security of video surveillance?
13. What do you think about the GMB union's statement that Amazon's staff is being watched too much? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
14. How can trust between employees and their bosses be affected when spying technology is used in the workplace?
15. Do you think fines are an effective way to prevent companies from spying on their workers? Why or why not?

Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!