Apple has a big brand name and any journalist that criticizes or exposes practices at Apple is likely to get more attention. This makes it a bit harder to analyze Apple’s ethics in a fair and ethical way! How do you think Apple has handled the various ethical issues that it has faced in the past?
For instance, the ethical issue facing the company’s product, the iPhone 4, might have been because of the intense competition in the industry. The company did not take enough time to ensure that its products were working efficiently.
Apple has also been accused of hiring cheap labor, which in itself is unethical. Some of the company’s products are manufactured in Taiwan, where the employees work in abusive conditions (Leonard). Apple outsources its production to the Foxconn factory in China. Foxconn hired young 16-18 year old kids under the disguise of an internship.
As a company, Apple believes that all employees should act properly in all situations, regardless of their position or status in the company. The company believes that all employees should demonstrate integrity by being honest, respectful, compliant, and maintaining confidentiality.
Arm's-length morality In its Supplier Code of Conduct, Apple states: Apple suppliers are required to provide safe working conditions, treat workers with dignity and respect, act fairly and ethically, and use environmentally responsible practices wherever they make products or perform services for Apple […]
Our research highlights several ethical issues with Apple, including climate change, environmental reporting, habitats & resources, pollution and toxics, arms & military supply, human rights, workers' rights, supply chain management, irresponsible marketing, anti-social finance, and political activities.
Apple believes all workers in our supply chain deserve a fair and ethical workplace. Workers must be treated with the utmost dignity and respect, and Apple Suppliers shall uphold the highest standards of human rights.
The ethical issue in this case is user privacy and government overreach into that user's privacy. The government's attempt to force a tech company to create a back door into a secure product could set a dangerous precedent for future companies.
25, New York Times report, the Foxconn Technology factory, where Apple manufactures many of their products, has repeatedly been criticized for ethics violations and socially irresponsible working conditions. Violations included in the report included: Crowded dormitories where many workers were forced to live.
Made by people everywhere. Apple products are made possible by millions of people in over 50 countries. From sourcing to recycling, we apply the highest standards to ensure that every person in our supply chain is valued, respected, and safe.
This year's edition saw Apple named as one of the most ethical tech companies in its field for the first time ever, while Dell was honored for the 10th time since the award was created in 2006.
At Apple, we work every day to put people first - by empowering them with accessible technology, being a force for equity and opportunity, creating an inclusive and diverse work environment, and respecting the human rights of everyone whose lives we touch.