Tech Company Apple has been accused of illegally spying on its employees through their devices and iCloud accounts. Employee Amar Bhakt, who works in the company’s digital advertising department, made this allegation by filing a lawsuit in California on Sunday (December 2).
Amar has claimed that the company demands employees give up their right to privacy as a condition of employment. The lawsuit also alleges that Apple also asks employees to agree to a policy under which the company can monitor them physically, in video, and electronically even when they are in their homes.
The company asks employees to install software on personal devices used for any work. This software allows the company to access certain apps on the personal devices of employees.
Ecosystem of tech company Apple is a prison for employees
The lawsuit claimed that the Apple ecosystem is not a walled garden for employees. It is a prison yard. A panopticon, where employees remain under Apple’s surveillance whether they are on duty or not. Amar says that the company spies on the personal data of employees.
According to media reports, Apple’s policy states that any data related to the employee’s account while using his device is subject to the company’s search. This includes emails, photos, videos, and notes, among other things.
Amar Bhakt also alleged in the lawsuit that Apple restricts the speech of employees by not allowing them to talk about their working conditions and salaries. The company even bans the political activities of employees.
Apple rejected all the allegations
According to media reports, Apple issued a statement saying that the claims made in the lawsuit are baseless. Company spokesman Josh Rosenstock said – At Apple, we focus on providing the best products and services in the world. We work to protect the innovations made by our teams for our customers.
Every employee has the right to discuss their salary, working hours, and conditions and this is part of the business conduct policy. We train all employees about this every year. We completely disagree with this claim and there is no substance in it.
