Amar Bhakta, an advertising technology manager at Apple, has taken legal action against the company, accusing it of breaking privacy laws and suppressing free speech. Bhakta claims Apple monitors employees’ personal devices and accounts by encouraging them to use the Apple ecosystem for work.
The lawsuit alleges that Apple requires employees to waive their privacy rights, giving the company access to private data, including location information and personal files. Bhakta also states that Apple enforces compliance through threats of wage clawbacks, such as withholding stock options.
These practices, according to Bhakta, extend Apple’s surveillance beyond work hours, creating what he describes as a “prison yard” atmosphere for employees. He hopes this legal challenge will push Apple to comply with California’s labor laws and protect worker rights.
How Does Apple’s Device Policy Affect Employees?
Apple’s policy allegedly requires employees to use company devices or link their personal devices to Apple’s internal systems. Bhakta claims this allows the company to access a wide range of personal data, such as emails, photos, videos, and location details.
The lawsuit argues that this practice blurs the boundaries between personal and professional lives. Employees using personal devices face the risk of their private information being monitored or searched under Apple’s policy. This includes data stored on iCloud accounts, which employees are reportedly encouraged to link to their work profiles.
Bhakta also alleges that the company’s influence over employees’ personal devices makes it harder to disconnect from work, even outside office hours. This, he claims, adds unnecessary stress and invades the personal lives of employees, creating a culture of constant surveillance.
These allegations raise questions about how far Apple’s influence extends into employees’ lives, with Bhakta stating that such practices violate California’s privacy laws.
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What Other Workplace Practices Does Bhakta Challenge?
Bhakta accuses Apple of restricting employee speech and transparency within the company. He claims Apple forbids employees from sharing job-related details on platforms like LinkedIn, hindering career development.
The lawsuit also alleges that Apple discourages discussions about pay equity and working conditions. Bhakta brought up that these restrictions can contribute to bigger issues, such as gender pay disparities, which he believes are present within the company.
This isn’t the first time Apple has faced criticism for its workplace culture. Employees in the past have pointed out similar issues, accusing the company of prioritising control over keeping open communication.
How Does Apple Respond To These Allegations?
Apple denies Bhakta’s claims, describing them as baseless. A company spokesperson has stated that employees are free to discuss wages, hours, and working conditions, with annual training sessions provided to reinforce these rights.
Apple insists its policies are keeping employee rights in mind while maintaining the protection of its intellectual property. The company maintains that its workplace practices are in line with legal requirements and designed to foster innovation.
If Bhakta’s lawsuit succeeds, it could lead to financial penalties for Apple and potentially force the company to adjust its policies. The case could also influence how other tech firms handle employee privacy and workplace restrictions.
Bhakta’s lawyer, Jahan Sagafi, hopes the lawsuit will bring Apple’s practices in line with California law and make sure that employees’ rights are respected.
