Books about suicide sold on Amazon amid serious concerns

41

The latest coroner’s report highlights a disturbing case of the sale of disturbing and potentially dangerous books on the Amazon UK platform.

Amazon said it may sell books that “some may find inappropriate.”

Warning: Contains disturbing content

The report issued by coroner David Ridley describes the death of 61-year-old Deborah Jane Cooper, who committed suicide. This incident has raised serious concerns about the type of content available for free for purchase, especially on popular platforms such as Amazon.

Cooper, of Melksham, was found dead in her home on February 21, 2024. A coroner’s inquest heard she had purchased the materials from an online retailer. The book, which remains unnamed due to legal sensitivities, is said to contain instructions to end one’s life.

Upon further investigation, the coroner discovered that this publication was not only available on his algorithm, but was also prominently listed on Amazon’s UK website. However, the Samaritans hotline banner appears when searching for anything related to the topic. Shockingly, a similar book with comparable content was also being sold, suggesting a potentially wider issue with its availability through Amazon.

Prevention of future deaths report: Amazon under scrutiny over books about suicide

The coroner raised questions about the implications of such content: “I am concerned that the marketing and distribution of such a book containing such clear instructions … is of the utmost concern, as are the regulations governing the distribution of such publications, the sole purpose of which is to provide information to those contemplating taking their own lives.”

The law requires a coroner who identifies a potential risk of future deaths to report those concerns to the relevant authorities and entities involved, which in this case include Amazon UK and the Department for Business and Trade. The aim is to get these authorities to consider how such dangerous publications can be controlled or removed to prevent further tragedies.

Amazon and related government departments were required to respond to the coroner’s concerns within 56 days from the date of the report on 29 April 2024, setting out any action taken or explaining why no action was proposed.

In a disturbing turn of events, Mary Jones was also found dead in her home on November 7, 2023. The 86-year-old was reportedly introduced to a similar book on Amazon. Assistant coroner Elizabeth Wheeler said: “I fear that the easy availability of this book will make people more effective in trying to take their own lives,” which unfortunately turned out to be the case.

Read: Amazon Faces Influx of AI-Generated Book Ads on Kindle

During the inquest, the coroner found that the book in question was readily available on Amazon.co.uk, available for expedited delivery via Amazon Prime. Despite the potential harm identified by Amazon, visible in a banner at the top of the listing with contact numbers for Samaritans, the book remains for sale. The issue was previously raised in December 2023 by the Cheshire County Coroner, who wrote to Amazon expressing concerns but has not yet received a response.

These types of searches were not only reported on the UK version of the site. Chloe Macdermott, who died on May 23, 2021, was reportedly looking for one of these books on Amazon US. Coroner Paul Rogers told the tech giant: “I believe action must be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe your organization has the ability to take that action. The task of each addressee is to provide answers on matters that concern him.”

In addition to the e-commerce site, the report was sent to a number of senior authorities including the Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, media regulator Ofcom, British Transport Police, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and also Google. Coroners have produced four future death prevention reports directed at Amazon this year.

‘Shocking’ and ‘Sad’: Family and Friends React to Books About Suicide on Amazon

The BBC recently interviewed family and friends of the deceased who called the situation “very, very sad.” Mary Jones’ daughter, Christine Wadsworth, said: ‘It’s shocking that you can just get a book like this. You don’t expect to find it on virtual shelves. You wouldn’t expect it to just sit there as something you could pick up, buy and read.

“I believe this book should not be on sale. I don’t really know why it exists and who it’s aimed at.”

Different points of view

Speaking to How To Be Books, an Amazon spokesperson said: “We offer our deepest condolences to Ms. Cooper’s family and friends.

“As a bookseller, we have chosen to offer a wide range of viewpoints, including books that some may find inappropriate. As such, we have content guidelines that govern what books can be offered for sale.

“We know this is a very sensitive issue, which is why we display a banner on the product details page of this book that gives customers information on how to get free and confidential advice from Samaritans.”

Read: World Suicide Prevention Day: Important reading to raise awareness

How To Be Books does not wish to disclose details regarding deaths or what was purchased on Amazon.

Please contact Samaritans (116 123) or email [email protected] or [email protected] if you live in the UK and need help. If you need immediate help, call 999. Papyrus, a young people’s suicide charity, can be contacted on 0800 068 4141 or email [email protected].

If you are anywhere in the world, find some appropriate resources in your area, here.