**Amazon Executives Accused of Using Encrypted Messaging to Destroy Evidence**
In a recent filing, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleged that top executives at Amazon used encrypted messaging apps like Signal to potentially destroy evidence crucial to an ongoing antitrust lawsuit. The agency accuses Amazon of using a secret pricing algorithm known as “Project Nessie,” which may have generated billions in extra profits.
Signal’s Disappearing Messages Feature
Signal, one of the accused messaging apps, offers a feature that automatically deletes messages after a specified time, making it difficult for investigators to retrieve communication records. This feature has also come under scrutiny in other cases, including the trial of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried.
Amazon’s Signal Usage
The FTC claims that Amazon executives, including CEO Andy Jassy, former CEO Jeff Bezos, and former Chief Operating Officer Dave Clark, were all Signal users. Bezos is reportedly a “heavy Signal user” who encouraged others to adopt the app, possibly due to the 2018 hacking of his personal phone.
FTC’s Discovery Request
The FTC argues that Amazon failed to instruct employees to preserve messages sent in Signal until 15 months after being notified of the investigation. The agency claims that this delay makes it “highly likely” that relevant information has been destroyed due to Amazon’s actions.
Potential Consequences for Amazon
If a judge finds that Amazon was negligent in preserving data related to the case, the company could face sanctions. Intentional failures to preserve evidence could lead to even more severe penalties.
Significance
The allegations against Amazon highlight the growing use of encrypted messaging apps by companies and the challenges this poses for regulators and law enforcement. The case could set a precedent for how courts handle evidence destruction allegations in the era of encrypted communications.
Divya 
Mehek