Rumor: Apple is known for its secrecy when it comes to unpublished products. Despite your best efforts, there are still leaks regularly, mainly from your supply chain. Apple is trying to change that by updating security guidelines for its manufacturing partners. Ironically, the news comes from an internal document that was leaked to The Information.
According to the updated guidelines, manufacturing facilities must conduct criminal background checks on assembly line workers who have access to unprecedented Apple products. Previously, background checks only applied to certain employees. Those with a criminal history are not allowed in any area of the facility where unreleased devices are being developed or assembled.
Apple is also updating its computer systems to track how long components remain on workstations. If the part stays in one place for a long time, the computer will issue security alerts. In addition, guards posted at various checkpoints will be required to keep detailed records of the locations and movements of all employees by moving “sensitive” components from one area to another.
The new rules also extend outside the factory floor. For example, all visitors to the facility must present government-issued identification for verification. The cover of the external surveillance camera should now be able to capture the four sides of the transport vehicles. Management must also maintain any video showing the destruction of defective prototypes or components for at least 180 days.
One of the strangest and perhaps most controversial rules is that factories can no longer collect biometric information from any Apple employee who visits the facility. However, the company still requires fingerprints and facial scans from factory employees. Not only does this create a double standard in the work environment, but it also makes little sense from a safety point of view.
At the very least, factory workers who are on the premises daily and are recognized by management and co-workers are much less of a threat than some random Apple employee who arrives for the first time. Identification badges can be falsified and biometric screening is a good last line of defense against physical penetration.
As with all leaks, treat this as a rumor. Apple did not confirm the policy changes and, considering the nature, it probably never will, even if it is true.
Image credit: Conveyor by Novikov Aleksey, ID Check by Helloabc