AMAZON was today accused of harming web users by selling books promoting anorexia.
An MP blasted the internet giant for pushing products “which purport to show anorexia as a healthy lifestyle”.
Alamy
And Health Secretary Matt Hancock vowed to challenge the firm over the “alarming and distressing” revelations.
Amazon sells several books labelled “pro-ana” which encourage anorexia sufferers to celebrate their condition and continue starving themselves.
Examples on sale for as little as £7 include Beauty Is Slim And Lean and All Things Thin and Beautiful.
The company has repeatedly refused to remove the books despite public complaints.
Tory MP Rachel Maclean asked Mr Hancock in the Commons: “Are you aware that tech giant Amazon is selling books under the category of pro-ana which purport to show anorexia as a healthy lifestyle?
“Do you share my revulsion that these books are available online?
“Will you call on Amazon to take this content down immediately, and will you look at whether the online harms white paper can take the tech giants such as Amazon also into their remit?”
The Health Secretary replied: “I will absolutely look at that point you raise which seems alarming and distressing to hear about.
“Of course, Amazon sells physical goods in the large part and surely has a duty of care to those who are buying those physical goods in the same way that a shop has a responsibility for what it sells.”
More than 11,000 customers have signed a petition calling for Amazon to remove the books.
The company refused to comment.
AFP
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