Posted: 11:13 AM PST · December 2, 2024
Image Credits: Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto / Getty Images
Julie Bort
An Apple Employee Sues the Company Over Monitoring Personal Devices
An Apple ad tech employee has filed a lawsuit against his employer on Sunday over how the company monitors its employees. The news was reported by Semafor.
According to the suit, Apple wants its employees to use Apple devices for work, but the company’s own policies restrict work-issued devices so severely that many employees are forced to use personal devices or tie their work devices to their personal iCloud account. To do this, employees must allow Apple to install software on their device that grants the company access to search anything stored on the device or iCloud.
The suit claims that Apple’s policies allow the company to monitor workers even when they’re not on duty. The employee alleges that Apple used its policies to harm his employment prospects.
This lawsuit highlights some of the complex challenges faced by corporate employees: how much access should an employer have to personal devices that are used for work, and how much control should they have over personal codes of conduct? If Apple loses this case, it could set a precedent that would curb the growing trend of "bossware" in the workplace.
What’s Bossware?
Bossware refers to software or tools that employers use to monitor their employees’ activities on company-provided devices or personal devices tied to work accounts. This can include tracking location data, monitoring online activity, and even accessing employees’ personal messages.
The term "bossware" was first coined in 2022 to describe the growing trend of employers using invasive software to surveil their employees. Since then, there have been numerous reports of companies being sued for installing spyware on employees’ devices without consent.
The Lawsuit Against Apple
In this case, the employee is suing Apple over its policy of requiring employees to install software that allows the company to access their personal devices or iCloud accounts. The suit alleges that Apple’s policies are overly broad and invasive, and that the company has used them to harm employees’ employment prospects.
The lawsuit also raises questions about the boundaries between work and personal life. If an employee uses a personal device for work, should they expect to be monitored by their employer even when they’re not on duty?
What’s at Stake
If Apple loses this case, it could set a precedent that would limit the company’s ability to monitor employees’ personal devices or iCloud accounts. This could have far-reaching implications for other companies in the tech industry.
Many experts believe that the trend of bossware is a growing concern in the workplace. With more and more employees working remotely, employers are increasingly using invasive software to track their workers’ activities.
However, this raises questions about employee privacy and autonomy. Should employers have the right to monitor their employees’ personal devices or online activity? Or do employees have the right to expect some level of privacy even when they’re using work-provided devices?
The Impact on Employee Privacy
The lawsuit against Apple highlights the need for clearer guidelines around employee monitoring and data protection.
Many experts believe that employers should be required to obtain explicit consent from employees before installing invasive software or tracking their online activity. This would help ensure that employees are aware of what’s being monitored and why.
However, some argue that this approach could create a "culture of distrust" in the workplace, where employees feel like they’re constantly being watched.
The Future of Employee Monitoring
As technology continues to advance, it’s likely that we’ll see more and more innovations in employee monitoring tools. But with great power comes great responsibility – and employers need to be mindful of their obligations to protect employees’ privacy and autonomy.
In the meantime, the lawsuit against Apple will likely spark a wider conversation about the boundaries between work and personal life. What do you think? Should employers have the right to monitor employees’ personal devices or online activity?
Related Articles
- Hackers are exploiting a new Fortinet firewall bug to breach company networks: A recent report has revealed that hackers are using a newly discovered vulnerability in Fortinet’s firewalls to gain unauthorized access to company networks. This highlights the need for companies to prioritize cybersecurity and keep their software up-to-date.
- DOJ confirms FBI operation that mass-deleted Chinese malware from thousands of US computers: The US Department of Justice has confirmed that the FBI conducted a large-scale operation to delete Chinese malware from thousands of US computers. This move was likely aimed at preventing further cyberattacks and protecting sensitive information.
- North Korea stole over $659M in crypto heists during 2024, deployed fake job seekers: A recent report has revealed that North Korean hackers have stolen over $659 million worth of cryptocurrency this year alone. The group is also believed to be using fake job seekers as a front for their cybercrime operations.
Subscribe to TechCrunch
Stay up-to-date with the latest tech news and trends by subscribing to TechCrunch’s newsletter, which covers topics such as:
- Security: Stay ahead of emerging threats and vulnerabilities in the world of cybersecurity.
- AI: Get insights into the latest developments in artificial intelligence and its applications in various industries.
- Space: Explore the latest advancements in space technology and exploration.
Join TechCrunch’s community today to stay informed about the most pressing issues shaping the tech industry.
