Apple is under fire in a new lawsuit filed in California, where it is accused of illegally monitoring its employees’ personal devices and silencing discussions about pay and working conditions.
The complaint, brought by Amar Bhakta, a digital advertising employee at Apple, claims that the tech giant forces workers to install monitoring software on their personal devices. This software allegedly gives Apple access to private data, including emails, photos, health information, and smart home data, reported the New York Post.
According to Bhakta, who has worked for Apple since 2020, the company not only monitors personal devices but also enforces strict confidentiality policies.
These policies reportedly prevent employees from discussing their work conditions or salaries, even prohibiting them from talking about their experiences on podcasts or sharing details on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Bhakta argues that these practices hinder employees’ rights to free speech, whistleblowing, and competitive freedom in the job market.
Apple has denied the allegations, with a spokesperson stating that the claims are without merit.
The company asserts that its employees are educated annually about their rights to discuss workplace conditions and protections for whistleblowers. Despite these claims, the lawsuit raises significant concerns about corporate surveillance practices and the freedom of employees to express dissatisfaction with their work environment.
The lawsuit comes amidst other legal battles Apple is currently facing.
Bhakta’s attorneys also represent two women who filed a lawsuit earlier this year, accusing Apple of systematic pay inequity, particularly in its engineering, marketing, and AppleCare divisions. While Apple has committed publicly to inclusion and pay equity, these claims paint a picture of ongoing challenges within the company’s corporate culture.
Further complicating Apple’s legal landscape, the company deals with at least three complaints filed with the U.S. labor board.
These complaints allege that Apple has unlawfully discouraged employees from discussing issues such as gender bias and pay discrimination, specifically by restricting their use of social media and workplace communication tools like Slack. Again, Apple has denied these accusations.
The company’s actions are under increasing scrutiny as employees seek legal avenues to address grievances and hold the tech giant accountable. Apple has long prided itself on its corporate culture and innovation, but these legal battles raise questions about its treatment of workers behind the scenes.
As the lawsuit progresses, it could have significant implications for how companies handle employee surveillance and the open discussion of working conditions. Apple, in particular, will likely face increased pressure to address these concerns transparently and take steps to ensure its practices align with legal standards and employee rights.