Amazon hit with huge $886m fine for alleged data law breach

Amazon has been handed an $886.6m fine for breaking European Union data protection laws.

The global online retailer and technology company was fined by Luxembourg’s National Commission for Data Protection, also known as Commission Nationale pour la Protection des Données (CNPD).

The commission claimed Amazon’s processing of personal data did not comply with EU law.

The EU’s current General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules require companies to gain consent before using their personal data.

A spokeswoman for Amazon told the BBC that there was “no data breach” and they would defend themselves “vigorously”.

Amazon said: “We believe the CNPD’s decision to be without merit and intend to defend ourselves vigorously in this matter.”

Tech companies have been coming under rising scrutiny from regulatory bodies over privacy and misinformation.

However, it is not only global businesses that can be fined as the rules of GDPR apply to us all.

Fines for GDPR can hugely impact a business with severe penalties of paying up to 4% of worldwide turnover for a breach.

This is why we recommend all our clients to ensure they have adequate Cyber Liability insurance to cover you for the unexpected.

You can contact us today regarding your requirements by emailing mail@lwood.co.uk or by giving us a call on 01274 515747.