Apple Accused of Surveillance, Silencing Workers

Apple is accused of monitoring employees’ devices and silencing discussions about workplace conditions in a California lawsuit. The case, filed under a state whistleblower law, alleges Apple’s practices deter free speech and whistleblowing. Amid pay equity lawsuits and labor board complaints, Apple denies wrongdoing, emphasizing its commitment to employee rights.

According to a lawsuit filed in California state court, the company has been accused of illegally monitoring employees' personal devices and iCloud accounts while restricting discussions on pay and workplace conditions, reports Reuters. The complaint claims Apple mandates workers to install software on personal devices used for work, enabling the company to access emails, photos, health data, and other personal information. Furthermore, the lawsuit also alleges that  Apple enforces confidentiality policies that deter legally protected whistleblowing and discussions about working conditions.

Amar Bhakta, who filed the complaint and has been with Apple since 2020, said he was prohibited from discussing his work on podcasts and instructed to remove employment details from his LinkedIn profile.

"Apple's surveillance policies and practices…unlawfully restrain employee whistleblowing, competition, freedom of employee movement in the job market, and freedom of speech," the lawsuit stated.

In response, an Apple spokesperson dismissed the claims. "The claims in the lawsuit lack merit, and our employees are trained annually on their rights to discuss their working conditions." Apple emphasized its focus on creating world-class products while protecting its proprietary inventions.

The lawsuit was filed under California’s Private Attorneys General Act, which permits employees to sue on behalf of the state and retain a portion of penalties collected.

This is not the first legal challenge. In June, the company was accused of systematically underpaying female employees in engineering, marketing, and AppleCare roles. However, Apple has reiterated its commitment to inclusion and pay equity in response, writes Reuters.