[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] Apple is strengthening factory security for its partners responsible for iPhone production, such as Foxconn. Going forward, employees with a criminal record will be prohibited from accessing development and production lines that include unreleased Apple products like the iPhone 13 5G.
According to IT media outlets PhoneArena and The Information on the 24th (local time), Apple recently instructed partners such as Foxconn and Wistron to conduct criminal background checks on all employees working on production assembly lines. Additionally, visitors must present identification before entering factory facilities. The security department is also required to keep detailed movement records of employees handling sensitive products or components.
Apple plans to monitor the duration employees spend in specific production areas for each component. If an unusually long time is detected in areas where sensitive items are handled, a security alarm will automatically be triggered. PhoneArena added that this has been made possible by upgrading Apple’s computer systems.
New regulations have also been applied regarding security cameras. To eliminate blind spots, all four sides?front, rear, left, and right?of visiting vehicles must be recorded. Furthermore, when defective parts are destroyed, the related process must be retained for at least 180 days.
PhoneArena reported, "Apple is enhancing factory security to prevent future iPhone leaks," adding, "Criminal background checks on employees must now be conducted. Those with a criminal record cannot access areas containing unreleased Apple products."
Alongside this, Apple, known for its privacy marketing, is also promoting stronger privacy protections for employees. A notable measure is preventing partners from collecting employees’ biometric data such as fingerprints. However, PhoneArena noted that this regulation does not apply to factory workers employed directly by the partners.
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