Amazon's algorithm reportedly suggests shoppers purchase items that can be used to create dangerous reactions and explosives in the 'frequently bought together' section (AMZN)

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September 18, 2017 10:17 PM

Amazon's algorithm is suggesting customers buy potentially dangerous groupings of products online.

Amazon's algorithm seems to be suggesting customers buy potentially dangerous groupings of products on the e-commerce site.

When viewing select products, Amazon's algorithm suggests that shoppers pair them with products that can be used to create homemade explosives, reports the U.K.'s Channel 4 News.

According to the broadcaster, Amazon's "frequently bought together" section for certain chemicals encourages customers to purchase other ingredients that can be combined to create potentially deadly reactions.

For example, a common type of chemical compound that is available on Amazon can be combined with Elmer's glue to produce magnetic "slime," an arts-and-crafts item. However, it can also be combined with somewhat common household products to produce thermite, a potentially dangerous and explosive composition.

A search of Amazon's "frequently bought together" suggestions for this compound by Business Insider revealed both items — harmless and potentially dangerous — appearing as suggested items.

According to Channel 4, other chemical compounds (which the station chose not to name) also had steel ball bearings, push button switches, and battery connectors and cables listed in the "

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