Amazon is linking potential bomb-making components under the “frequently bought together” tab, guiding its users to all the ingredients required to make an incendiary device.
The simple products are widely available in shops too, but Amazon’s algorithm recommends product combinations.
As reported by Channel 4 News, the online retail platform’s algorithm pairs items that customers tend to buy in one shopping basket. Chemical ingredients which can be combined to make explosives and volatile mixtures for pyrotechnics were also grouped together in this way.
Shoppers are therefore guided towards a common chemical compound used in food production can make explosive black powder. The chemical is recommended by al-Qaeda in a bomb-making manual that has been used in a series of attacks including the Boston Marathon bombings.
These results appear if users search for specific chemicals, like steel ball bearings, push button switches and battery connectors and cables, said Channel 4.
If users click on Thermite, for example, which is a pyrotechnic composition of metal powder, the website links to two other items, which constitute the basic bomb-making materials.
All three come to just over £20. When combined, the hazardous reaction is strong enough to cut through steel.
Channel 4 News also found that ignition systems and remote detonators were also “readily available”, promoted under the “Customers also bought” tab.
Source: The Independent