Amazon is suing a Washington state agency to block the release of documents to The Washington Post, claiming the files contain “trade secrets” about its satellite internet project, Project Kuiper. The lawsuit underscores ongoing tensions between the company and state regulators over public records and worker safety issues.
Amazon Seeks to Protect Sensitive Information
In a legal filing submitted to King County Superior Court, Amazon asked the court to prevent the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries from releasing documents related to an investigation into a Project Kuiper facility. The investigation was conducted during four on-site visits between August and October of last year. The files were later requested by The Washington Post in November through a public records request.
Amazon claims that while it is not seeking to prevent the release of all documents, it is trying to block sensitive information such as employee names and proprietary records that would reveal the company’s technological capabilities. These documents are crucial to Amazon’s satellite internet initiative, Project Kuiper, which aims to provide internet access through satellites.
Background of the Dispute
The dispute follows a history of tension between Amazon and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Amazon has previously clashed with the agency over worker safety regulations. In 2022, the company sued the agency after disputes over citations and fines related to warehouse safety. A judge ruled in favor of Amazon in a worker safety case last year, though the agency had planned to appeal the decision.
Amazon’s Legal Strategy and Public Records Process
The Department of Labor & Industries notified Amazon of The Washington Post’s request in January and gave the company the chance to review the documents before making them available to the newspaper. Amazon’s lawsuit argues that the documents, if released, could damage the company’s business operations and technological strategies. Amazon and the state agency had previously worked together on public records requests, but the release of these specific files has sparked legal action.
Amazon’s Recent Layoff Announcement
Alongside the lawsuit, Amazon also announced this week that it would lay off a “small number” of employees within its communications and corporate responsibility department, impacting dozens of workers. The company continues to navigate various legal challenges, including those concerning worker safety and its business practices.
