Apple is one of the world’s largest technology companies, with a user base reaching hundreds of millions. This means even the company’s services have their own economy. For instance, the App Store is a billion-dollar revenue source that hosts numerous companies and individual developers. However, as Spider-Man fans would remember, “With great power comes great responsibility,” and the tech giant seems to be facing some issues with the responsibility aspect. According to recent reports, Apple has dismissed several members of its App Store team in China due to “business misconduct” and “sexual assault.” Here are the details…

Apple Investigates App Store Team for Business Misconduct and Sexual Assault Allegations

We closely follow technology companies, which operate in many different countries around the world and consist of vast teams and departments. Therefore, although it’s unfortunate, scandals sometimes emerge. For instance, we recently reported the arrest of Vivo’s regional CFO in India, along with other executives, due to a $120 million money laundering case. Now, it has come to light that Apple has fired multiple App Store employees after an investigation revealed business misconduct and allegations of sexual assault.

Apple App Store China

Based on the information provided, Apple conducted a year-long internal investigation that revealed various misdeeds. These included improper contact with mobile game developers, sexual assault, and more. The company first became aware of the issue during an internal audit in 2022 and has since conducted a thorough investigation. More than half a dozen staff members from the App Store business team in China were implicated in this investigation. However, only five of them were dismissed over this period.

Unfortunately, the specific nature of the business misconduct is unclear. However, one of the issues involves bending the rules of the App Store. The individuals under investigation help developers get their apps approved for listing in the store, offer advice on how to increase app revenue, and decide which apps to feature on the App Store’s main home pages. Although at first glance this may not seem too bad, listing an app without proper scrutiny and boosting it with various information appears to have led to unfair competition.

Of course, this wasn’t the only instance where ethical lines were crossed. It was reported that Apple employees accepted “complimentary meals and nightclub outings from these parties,” in return for potential exposure and editorial promotion in the App Store. However, it’s important to emphasize that none of the individuals involved in the investigation had the power to directly approve or reject apps from the App Store. Yet, some of the dismissed employees had roles that could influence decisions. I’m sure you’ve also thought about how easily certain things can be done from the inside at your workplace. The situation here is no different.

Apple has stringent rules regarding certain communications. For instance, App Store review and editorial staff are not permitted to meet with developers unless they have prior approval. While those in “developer relations and business management” can meet with developers, they must not accept expensive gifts or meals. If you think what I’ve mentioned so far is bad, a report revealed that Apple dismissed an App Store employee last year over allegations of sexual assault on another employee.

An employee from Apple’s structure in China, which has been described as “corrupt”, has allegedly sexually assaulted an employee at Mihoyo. For those who may not know, Mihoyo is a Chinese game developer famous for its popular mobile game, Genshin Impact. Sadly, the details of this heinous crime are unknown. Despite the best efforts of some reputable peers in the tech media, the fired employee did not respond to a request for comment, and Mihoyo’s spokespeople did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Apple’s statement on the subject is as follows:: “Without commenting on the specific allegations of this report, Apple expects its employees worldwide to abide by its very strong ethics and business conduct policies. We thoroughly investigate reports of improper conduct and when appropriate will not hesitate to take immediate action up to and including termination.”

The firing of these employees is a reminder that even the biggest and most successful tech companies are not immune to misconduct. It is also a reminder that Apple is committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace for all employees.

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