Apple allegedly threatened to fire employee for revealing a security tip on TikTok

Apple has reportedly threatened to fire an employee for revealing a "basic iPhone security tip" on TikTok. According to the employee, Paris Campbell via The Verge, the Cupertino-based tech giant warned the worker after posting about an Apple-related topic and publicly revealing her association with the company. The report notes that Apple's code of conduct warns employees against posting about customers, colleagues, or confidential information. However, like most other tech companies, Apple does not bar employees from posting about basic technology.

The warning against Campbell came after she responded to a viral TikTok video. The video of the user highlights that her iPhone was stolen, and the thieves are blacking her for selling her personal information in the black market unless she removes her Apple ID from the iPhone.

Campbell, who's been working at Apple for nearly six years, most recently as a repair technician in Apple retail, replied by saying that the user's data is safe. Without exactly revealing her identity, she replied, "I can't tell you exactly how I know this information, but I can tell you that for the last six years, I've been a certified hardware engineer for a certain company that likes to talk about fruit".

She added, "Your phone is actually useless to them, and you're the only person that can save them, and I suggest that you don't".

The video reportedly went viral and garnered over five million views in 24 hours. On the same day, Campbell reportedly received a call from a manager, telling her to remove the video or else face disciplinary action "up to and including termination".

Following the warning, Campbell posted another video titled "Dear Apple", where she finally revealed her association with the company. In the video, she added, "I've never actually identified myself as an Apple employee until this video. Funny thing is, though, after reviewing the social media policies... nowhere does it say I can't identify myself as an Apple employee publicly, just that I shouldn't do so in a way that makes the company look bad".

The publication, which assessed Apple's internal policy, notes that the company allows employees to be themselves, but "should also be respectful in posts, tweets, and other online communications".

The Verge also reached out to Campbell and said that Apple's warning goes against their 'think different' philosophy. She claims the security tip she revealed in the video does not go beyond Apple's code of conduct. Campbell adds, "I come to this knowledge because I have a long technical education and history. That's why they hired me".

Apple is yet to confirm these details.