Apple faces a lawsuit from its own employee, claiming the company illegally surveyed their device and iCloud accounts while restricting discussions relating to pay and working conditions.
Amar Bhakta, a digital advertising employee at Apple since 2020, filed a complaint in California state court on Sunday, alleging restrictive practices by the company. Bhakta claims Apple restricted him from mentioning his work and working conditions on his podcasts and LinkedIn.
The complaint also accuses Apple of requiring employees to install software on their personal devices, allowing the company to monitor personal information. Furthermore, Bhakta alleges that Apple enforces confidentiality policies that prevent employees from engaging in legally protected whistleblowing or discussing their working conditions.
The lawsuit states that Apple’s surveillance policies and practices unlawfully restrain employee whistleblowing, competition, freedom of employee movement in the job market, and freedom of speech.
Apple responded through a spokesperson, stating that the lawsuit’s claims are baseless. The company also emphasized that its employees receive annual training on their rights to discuss working conditions.
Despite this, Bhakta’s lawyers also represent two women who filed a lawsuit in June, accusing Apple of underpaying female employees across several divisions. Additionally, the U.S. labor board has filed at least three complaints against Apple, alleging the company discouraged employees from discussing issues such as sex bias and pay discrimination. Apple has denied all these claims.
