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Amazon reviews its website after suggesting bomb-making materials

By Stephanie Tinoco
By Stephanie Tinoco

Amazon is reviewing its website and online algorithms after its features suggested bomb-making materials be sold together to customers.

For example, a customer wanting to buy an item would see suggestions for other items that the buyer would eventually need to make a crude bomb under the “Frequently Bought Together” section.

Local cybersecurity expert Mike Holland said it's controlled by an algorithm.

"In their world, it sells more,” Holland said. “In our world, it makes it easier. 'Oh yeah, I do need that.’"

A news station in the U.K. reported the algorithm somehow grouped materials that together could make a bomb, a concern for security experts in the U.S. and abroad.

The items were all legal, but together could be deadly.

"A company the size of Amazon would have their own algorithm, or tracking system, to know that over the course of time, people who purchased one item, would also purchase a second item," Holland said.

It all boils down to math.

"All products sold on Amazon must adhere to our selling guidelines and we only sell products that comply with U.K . laws,” Amazon officials said in a statement. “In light of recent events, we are reviewing our website to ensure that all these products are presented in an appropriate manner."

Cybersecurity experts expect its safeguards are going to remain in the near term, but the company may implement some more safeguards against the groupings.

A spokesperson with Amazon also says they will continue working with law enforcement if any circumstances arise.

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