Apple is facing a new legal challenge in California, where a lawsuit accuses the company of monitoring employees’ personal devices and curbing their ability to discuss workplace issues. The case, filed by digital advertising employee Amar Bhakta, alleges that Apple requires staff to install monitoring software on their personal devices, granting the company access to sensitive data such as emails, photos, health information, and smart home details.
The lawsuit also claims Apple enforces overly strict confidentiality policies that prevent employees from speaking publicly about workplace concerns or whistleblowing on potentially illegal practices. Bhakta, who has been with Apple since 2020, asserts that he was instructed to remove work-related references from his LinkedIn profile and prohibited from discussing his job on podcasts.
Apple has dismissed these claims, stating they lack merit and emphasizing the company’s commitment to employees’ rights. According to Apple, its workforce receives annual training on their rights to discuss working conditions freely.
This lawsuit follows other complaints about Apple’s workplace practices. In June, two women filed a separate lawsuit accusing the company of underpaying female employees in engineering, marketing, and AppleCare roles. Apple, while denying the allegations, reiterated its dedication to pay equity and inclusion but continues to face scrutiny over such disparities.
Additionally, the company is contending with complaints filed with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board. These cases allege that Apple has suppressed employee discussions about sex bias and pay discrimination on platforms like Slack and social media. Apple denies any wrongdoing in these instances.
The latest lawsuit was filed under a California law that allows employees to sue on behalf of the state, with the potential to retain a percentage of any penalties recovered. This adds another layer of complexity to the legal battles Apple is navigating, as the company continues to address mounting criticism over its workplace practices and employee policies.