Apple sued over worker monitoring claims

A new lawsuit accuses Apple of illegally surveilling employees’ personal devices and iCloud accounts while restricting discussions about pay and workplace conditions. Filed in California by Amar Bhakta, a digital advertising employee, the suit claims Apple mandates software installations on personal devices used for work, enabling access to private data such as emails, photos, and health information. The lawsuit also alleges Apple enforces confidentiality policies that hinder whistleblowing and discussions about working conditions.

Bhakta asserts he was instructed to avoid discussing his work on podcasts and remove job-related details from LinkedIn. The complaint argues these practices suppress employee rights, including whistleblowing and job market mobility. Apple denies the claims, stating they lack merit and emphasising its commitment to employee training on workplace rights.

This case joins other legal challenges faced by Apple, including allegations of underpaying female employees and discouraging discussions about workplace bias and pay disparity. Filed under a California law allowing workers to sue on behalf of the state, the lawsuit could lead to penalties, with a portion allocated to employees bringing the claims.