Apple is facing allegations of unlawfully surveilling its employees’ personal devices and iCloud accounts, 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 allegedly grants Apple access to sensitive personal data, including email, 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 Apple enforces strict confidentiality policies that prevent employees from openly discussing their working conditions. These policies allegedly include restrictions on speaking with the media and reporting workplace irregularities that are legally protected.
According to the complaint, Bhakta was prohibited from sharing details about his job on podcasts and was instructed to remove information regarding his working conditions from his LinkedIn profile.
“Apple’s surveillance policies and practices unlawfully restrict employee whistleblowing, workplace transparency, labor market mobility, and freedom of expression,” the filing states.
Apple denies allegations
In response, Apple dismissed the claims, with a spokesperson stating that the allegations lack merit. The company emphasized its commitment to ensuring employees are educated about their rights, including the right to discuss workplace conditions.
“At Apple, we focus 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 maintains that its employees receive annual training on their rights and the company’s workplace policies, which, it argues, comply with labor laws.
Broader concerns over 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 systemic underpayment across 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 U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). These complaints allege that Apple discouraged employees from discussing workplace issues such as pay disparities and sexual bias. The accusations include claims that the company restricted employees’ use of social media and internal messaging platforms to discuss these topics.
Apple has consistently denied any wrongdoing in these cases, asserting that its policies are designed to protect its intellectual property and maintain workplace integrity.
A growing spotlight on tech workplace practices
The allegations against Apple highlight ongoing tensions between tech giants and their employees over workplace transparency and labor rights. As one of the world’s largest companies, Apple’s handling of these accusations will likely be closely watched, not only by its workforce but also by regulators and the public.
For now, Apple remains firm in its defense, stating that its policies are lawful and 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 equity may continue to grow louder within the tech industry.
