Amazon UK Services Ltd.

Private and voluntary organisations · Private limited company

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First report 14 Dec 2022•Latest report 21 Mar 2024

Reports, concerns and published responses

Reports over time

Reports naming this recipient by issue year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Reports: 4
Published responses: 100%
Concerns addressed: 5
Stated actions: 7

Concerns and recipient responses

Statements from Amazon UK Services Ltd. linked to the concerns in each report. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

21 Mar2024
Cheshire
Concerns raised1
1. Failure to restrict sale and expedited delivery of a harmful suicide book
Respondent positions 1
1. Position
  Existing content guidelines and the freedom-of-expression approach are considered sufficient, so the book will not be removed from sale.
  Existing arrangements considered sufficient
AI-generated summary

Mary JONES · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Mary Jones was found dead at home on 7 November 2023 after deliberately overdosing on medication with the intent to end her own life. In calculating a fatal dose, she consulted a book advising on suicide methods. The concern was that the book was readily available on Amazon.co.uk, including through expedited delivery, and that this availability could make suicide attempts more effective.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Amazon UK Services Ltd.; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to restrict sale and expedited delivery of a harmful suicide book
Wider context from the report
“The “well known suicide book” I refer to in Box 3 is ████████ (redact on publication). As part of my investigations, I have received evidence that this book is readily available on Amazon.co.uk following a simple search for the same. Furthermore, it is available on Amazon Prime – so is available for expedited delivery. It is the first item shown when a search is made. Amazon, or the algorithms, are clearly aware of the potential for harm that this book can cause as there is a banner at the top giving contact numbers for the Samaritans. Despite this, the book is still on sale. I am aware that the Area Coroner for Cheshire wrote to Amazon in December 2023 raising this same issue, but has not yet had a response. I am concerned that the ready availability of this book will lead to people being more effective in any attempts to take their own lives. ”
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Existing content guidelines and the freedom-of-expression approach are considered sufficient, so the book will not be removed from sale.

Verbatim wording from the response
“We have carefully considered the contents of the Report. As a bookseller, we believe that providing access to written speech and a variety of viewpoints is important, including books that some may find objectionable. We have content guidelines governing which books can be listed for sale and promptly investigate when a concern is raised. We have reviewed the Book against our content guidelines, taking account of your comments, and have decided not to remove it from sale.”

Source location
Response from Amazon
Page 1 · response
Published 25 March 2024
Open published response
26 Feb2024
Wiltshire and Swindon
Concerns raised2
1. Unrestricted marketing and supply of publications providing clear instructions on methods of ending life
2. Failure to regulate the supply of publications providing information on ending life
Respondent positions 1
1. Position
  Existing content guidelines and protection of freedom of expression are considered sufficient; the books will not be removed from sale.
  Existing arrangements considered sufficient
AI-generated summary

Deborah Jane Cooper · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Deborah Jane Cooper, aged 61, died in circumstances suspected to involve carbon monoxide poisoning after apparatus was found and notes indicated an intention to end her life. The concern was that publications giving instructions on methods of ending one’s life were freely available through Amazon UK, with potentially inadequate regulation of their supply.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Amazon UK Services Ltd.; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Unrestricted marketing and supply of publications providing clear instructions on methods of ending life
Wider context from the report
“That duty has arisen in this case when I discovered that books giving clear instructions as to how an individual might want to end his or her life was freely available on the open market on the Amazon.co.uk website. I am concerned that the marketing and supply of such a book giving such clear instructions and advice as regards different methods for an individual to end his or her life at their own hands is of the utmost concern as is the regulation as regards the supply of such publications whose sole purpose is to provide information to those contemplating on ending their lives. I have identified 2 publication that give such advice and there may be more currently being marketed on the Amazon.co.uk website. ”
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Amazon UK Services Ltd.; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to regulate the supply of publications providing information on ending life
Wider context from the report
“That duty has arisen in this case when I discovered that books giving clear instructions as to how an individual might want to end his or her life was freely available on the open market on the Amazon.co.uk website. I am concerned that the marketing and supply of such a book giving such clear instructions and advice as regards different methods for an individual to end his or her life at their own hands is of the utmost concern as is the regulation as regards the supply of such publications whose sole purpose is to provide information to those contemplating on ending their lives. I have identified 2 publication that give such advice and there may be more currently being marketed on the Amazon.co.uk website. ”
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Existing content guidelines and protection of freedom of expression are considered sufficient; the books will not be removed from sale.

Verbatim wording from the response
“We have carefully considered the contents of the Report. As a bookseller, we believe that providing access to written speech and a variety of viewpoints is important, including books that some may find objectionable. We have content guidelines governing which books can be listed for sale and promptly investigate when a concern is raised. We have reviewed each Book against our content guidelines, taking account of your comments, and have decided not to remove either of them from sale.”

Source location
Response from Amazon
Page 1 · response
Published 29 April 2024
Open published response
19 Dec2023
Inner West London
Concerns raised6
1. Lack of prominent signposting to organisations providing suicide-prevention help
2. Internet availability and delivery of an unspecified item to individual users in the UK
3. Open chatrooms permitting the exchange of information and methods that encourage, assist, counsel or procure suicide
1. Failure of effective border and customs controls for delivery of an unspecified item to UK users
2. Lack of age or other access restrictions for children, vulnerable teenagers and vulnerable adults
3. Failure to effectively remove posts containing details of suicide methods
Actions described in response 1
1. Action
  Restricted global sales of high-concentration sodium nitrite to Amazon Business customers.
Respondent positions 1
1. Position
  Existing UK store policies prohibit high-concentration sodium nitrite sales, so the product is unavailable for purchase in the UK.
  Existing arrangements considered sufficient
AI-generated summary

Chloe Elizabeth MACDERMOTT · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Chloe Elizabeth MACDERMOTT died at home in the early hours of 23 May 2021 after ingesting a substance purchased through Amazon US. The report identifies concerns about online forums encouraging, assisting and counselling suicide, inadequate age restrictions and signposting to help, harmful content not being effectively removed, and the availability and delivery of the product to UK users without effective border or customs controls.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Amazon UK Services Ltd.; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Lack of prominent signposting to organisations providing suicide-prevention help
Wider context from the report
“(6) No prominent signposting is in place to organisations from whom help is available to prevent suicide. ”
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Amazon UK Services Ltd.; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Internet availability and delivery of an unspecified item to individual users in the UK
Wider context from the report
“(9) The availability of ████████ through the internet and its delivery to individual users in the UK with a non-commercial or agricultural use. ”
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Amazon UK Services Ltd.; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Open chatrooms permitting the exchange of information and methods that encourage, assist, counsel or procure suicide
Wider context from the report
“(3) ████████ is a forum that permits material to be exchanged and reviewed within its open chatrooms whereby suicide is encouraged, assisted, counselled and procured through the provision and exchange of information and methods. ”
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Amazon UK Services Ltd.; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure of effective border and customs controls for delivery of an unspecified item to UK users
Wider context from the report
“(10) The ability for UK users to purchase ████████ through Amazon in the United States and to take delivery in the United Kingdom without effective border and/or custom controls. ”
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Amazon UK Services Ltd.; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Lack of age or other access restrictions for children, vulnerable teenagers and vulnerable adults
Wider context from the report
“(5) No age or other restrictions are in place to prevent access to children, vulnerable teenagers and vulnerable adults. ”
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Amazon UK Services Ltd.; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to effectively remove posts containing details of suicide methods
Wider context from the report
“(7) Posts are made by users containing details of methods of suicide without any effective administration to remove such harmful content. ”
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Restricted global sales of high-concentration sodium nitrite to Amazon Business customers.

Verbatim wording from the response
“At Amazon we work hard to earn and maintain customer trust, meaning that safety is a top priority for us. Last year, we invested more than $1.2 billion to protect our stores and our customers, building robust safety and compliance programs. We are constantly iterating and improving upon our approach. Since October 2022, we have globally restricted the sale of high concentration sodium nitrite to Amazon Business customers (which is solely focussed on business-to-business transactions) to minimize the potential for product misuse. Therefore, in countries where Amazon Business is not yet available or where local policies prohibit such sale (such as the UK store), high concentration sodium nitrite is not available for purchase.”

Source location
Response from Amazon UK
Page 1 · response
Published 28 December 2023
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Existing UK store policies prohibit high-concentration sodium nitrite sales, so the product is unavailable for purchase in the UK.

Verbatim wording from the response
“At Amazon we work hard to earn and maintain customer trust, meaning that safety is a top priority for us. Last year, we invested more than $1.2 billion to protect our stores and our customers, building robust safety and compliance programs. We are constantly iterating and improving upon our approach. Since October 2022, we have globally restricted the sale of high concentration sodium nitrite to Amazon Business customers (which is solely focussed on business-to-business transactions) to minimize the potential for product misuse. Therefore, in countries where Amazon Business is not yet available or where local policies prohibit such sale (such as the UK store), high concentration sodium nitrite is not available for purchase.”

Source location
Response from Amazon UK
Page 1 · response
Published 28 December 2023
Open published response
14 Dec2022
East London
Concerns raised3
1. Reduced legal enforcement of unlawful e-scooter use
2. Failure to provide prominent written warnings about the illegal use of e-scooters
3. Failure to require head protection for riders of legally authorised scooters
Actions described in response 1
1. Action
  Display prominent e-scooter product-page warnings prohibiting use on UK public roads or spaces and linking to current government guidance.
AI-generated summary

Fatima Abukar · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Fatima Abukar, a 14-year-old girl, died from catastrophic head injuries after the privately owned e-scooter she was riding entered the carriageway and struck a mini-bus. The concerns included e-scooter fatalities and enforcement, the absence of a requirement for riders of legally authorised scooters to wear head protection, and inconsistent or insufficiently prominent warnings about illegal e-scooter use.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Amazon UK Services Ltd.; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Reduced legal enforcement of unlawful e-scooter use
Wider context from the report
“1. Evidence in this inquest confirmed that since 2019 here have been 8 recorded fatalities involving e-scooters in London and 31 in the country at large. At the time of her death Ms Abukar was riding a privately owned e-scooter on a public highway. Despite the ubiquity of such devices on London’s streets, riding them on public roads is unlawful. Whereas approximately 4000 unlawfully used scooters were seized by the Metropolitan Police Service in 2021, only 1100 were confiscated in 2022. The reduction is attributable to a change in policy introduced in November 2021. An inverse correlation exists between the rate of legal enforcement and the rate of deaths caused by e-scooters. The number of deaths in Q1 & 2 of 2022 is more than double that of Q1 & 2 of 2021. ”
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Amazon UK Services Ltd.; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to provide prominent written warnings about the illegal use of e-scooters
Wider context from the report
“3. Some manufacturers and retailers of e-scooters in England and Wales provide consumers with written warnings about the illegal use of e-scooters, others do not. Where such warnings are present, often they are not prominent. ”
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Amazon UK Services Ltd.; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to require head protection for riders of legally authorised scooters
Wider context from the report
“2. Ms Abukar died due to traumatic head injuries. Riders of legally authorised scooters (those hired from licenced operators) are not required to wear head protection. ”
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Display prominent e-scooter product-page warnings prohibiting use on UK public roads or spaces and linking to current government guidance.

Verbatim wording from the response
“- we include a warning on product pages for e-scooters which makes clear that they are prohibited from use in any public road or space in the UK;”

Source location
Response from Amazon UK
Page 1 · response
Published 19 December 2022
Open published response

Information checked against published PFD reports and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026

Reports, concerns and published responses

Reports over time

Concerns raised1

Failure to restrict sale and expedited delivery of a harmful suicide book

Respondent positions A position is what this recipient says about the concern when it does not describe a specific action.1

Concerns raised2

Unrestricted marketing and supply of publications providing clear instructions on methods of ending life

Failure to regulate the supply of publications providing information on ending life

Respondent positions A position is what this recipient says about the concern when it does not describe a specific action.1

Concerns raised6

Lack of prominent signposting to organisations providing suicide-prevention help

Internet availability and delivery of an unspecified item to individual users in the UK

Open chatrooms permitting the exchange of information and methods that encourage, assist, counsel or procure suicide

Failure of effective border and customs controls for delivery of an unspecified item to UK users

Lack of age or other access restrictions for children, vulnerable teenagers and vulnerable adults

Failure to effectively remove posts containing details of suicide methods

Actions described in response An action is something this recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1

Respondent positions A position is what this recipient says about the concern when it does not describe a specific action.1

Concerns raised3

Reduced legal enforcement of unlawful e-scooter use

Failure to provide prominent written warnings about the illegal use of e-scooters

Failure to require head protection for riders of legally authorised scooters

Actions described in response An action is something this recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1

Respondent positions 1

Respondent positions 1

Actions described in response 1

Respondent positions 1

Actions described in response 1