Apple is accused of illegally surveilling the personal devices and iCloud accounts of its employees, particularly when they discuss pay and workplace conditions. A new complaint, filed by Domingo Amar Bhakta in a California state court, accuses the tech giant of requiring employees to install software on personal devices used for work. This software supposedly grants Apple access to sensitive personal data, including emails, photo archives, health information, and even data from “smart home” devices.
Bhakta, who works in Apple's digital advertising division and has been with the company since 2020, claims that Apple has strict privacy policies that prevent employees from openly discussing their working conditions. These policies supposedly include restrictions on speaking to the media and reporting workplace wrongdoings that are protected by law.
According to the complaint, Bhakta was banned from sharing details about his work on podcasts and was asked to remove information related to his working conditions from his LinkedIn profile.
“Apple's surveillance policies and practices unlawfully restrict employee reporting, workplace transparency, labor market mobility, and freedom of expression,” the document reads.
Apple denies the accusations
In response, Apple rejected the claims, with a spokesperson saying the allegations are baseless. The company underlined its commitment to ensuring that employees are informed of their rights, including the right to discuss workplace conditions.
“At Apple we are focused on creating the best products and services in the world and work to protect the inventions our teams create for customers,” the company said in a statement.
Apple says its employees receive annual training on their rights and company workplace policies, which it says comply with labor laws.
Wider concerns about workplace practices
Bhakta's lawsuit is not the first legal challenge Apple has faced over its workplace policies. Earlier this year, two women filed a lawsuit alleging systematic underpayment in Apple's engineering, marketing and AppleCare divisions. Apple responded by reiterating its commitment to inclusion and equal pay.
Additionally, the company has been named in at least three complaints by the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). These complaints allege that Apple discouraged employees from discussing workplace issues such as pay disparities and sexual bias. The allegations include claims that the company limited employees' use of social media and internal messaging platforms to discuss these topics.
Apple has consistently denied any wrongdoing in these cases, saying its policies are designed to protect its intellectual property and maintain workplace integrity.
A growing focus on technology workplace practices
The allegations against Apple highlight ongoing tensions between tech giants and their employees over workplace transparency and workers' rights. As one of the largest companies in the world, Apple's handling of these allegations will likely be closely watched, not only by its workforce but also by regulators and the public.
For now, Apple remains steadfast in its defense, saying that its policies are legal and that its workplace practices are designed to support its employees while safeguarding its innovations. However, the complaint filed by Bhakta and other recent lawsuits suggest that calls for greater transparency and fairness may continue to grow louder in the tech sector.