The Italian Data Protection Authority has taken urgent action against Amazon Italy Logistica srl, prohibiting the processing of personal data for over 1,800 workers employed at the company's Passo Corese facility. This ban comes after serious concerns regarding the systematic collection of sensitive personal information during the employees' tenure, which was intended to be retained for up to ten years post-employment. The data was collected through a platform linked to the attendance monitoring system and was accessible by numerous managers, raising significant privacy issues.

The specifics of the information collected include details on workers’ health conditions such as Crohn’s disease, herniated discs, and whether they are pacemaker carriers. Additionally, the records included employees' participation in strikes and union activities, alongside other personal background details, thus leading to potential misuse of sensitive information. These revelations pointed to a breach of workers' privacy rights, which prompted the Italian authority to intervene.

This move by the Italian Data Protection Authority highlights an increasing vigilance concerning worker privacy and data protection in the workplace. As similar cases arise across Europe, it sets a crucial precedent that may influence how companies handle employee data and reaffirms the need for compliance with data privacy regulations. Such actions reflect wider global concerns about employee surveillance and the ethical implications of data management in corporate ecosystems.