Cyber Crime
Apple Faces Legal Action in USA Over Alleged Employee Surveillance Scandal!
Apple Inc. (AAPL.O), a tech giant renowned for its innovation, is facing fresh legal trouble as a new lawsuit accuses the company of illegally monitoring employees’ personal devices and iCloud accounts while restricting their ability to discuss pay and workplace conditions.
Filed in a California state court by Amar Bhakta, an Apple digital advertising employee since 2020, the complaint alleges that Apple mandates workers to install software on their personal devices used for work. This software allegedly grants the company access to sensitive data, including emails, photos, health records, and smart home information.
Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Apple enforces strict confidentiality policies, deterring employees from discussing workplace conditions with the media or engaging in legally protected whistleblowing. Bhakta asserts that he was prohibited from speaking about his work on podcasts and was instructed to remove details about his working conditions from LinkedIn.
“Apple’s surveillance and confidentiality policies unlawfully stifle whistleblowing, free speech, and fair competition in the job market,” the lawsuit alleges.
In response, Apple dismissed the claims, stating they lack merit and highlighting its annual employee training programs about workplace rights. “At Apple, we prioritize creating the best products and protecting the innovations our teams bring to life,” a spokesperson said.
This case follows similar legal challenges, including allegations of pay disparities affecting women in engineering and marketing roles, and labor board complaints accusing Apple of suppressing discussions about workplace issues. While Apple denies any wrongdoing, the case is under scrutiny, with California’s unique laws allowing employees to sue on behalf of the state adding an extra layer of complexity.