Apple's internal social media guidelines have been leaked, revealing that it can sack any of its staff for posting on social networks, websites, and other online communities.
The document shows that working at Apple means that certain things are off the table when it comes to sharing your views online.
For example, staff can have their own personal websites, but none of them are allowed to discuss Apple on those websites, despite the so-called right to freedom of speech.
Apple will not permit employees to comment on speculation or rumours, including confirmations or denials regarding new products and services. This is in line with Apple's tendency to not respond to media inquiries.
In case any Apple staff want to participate in Apple fan communities, that is not permited either, even if they never reveal that they work for Apple. So no discussing their iPhone or Mac, even if they want to sing praises about them.
The rules are so strict that Apple said it “retains the right to discipline (up to termination of employment), or cut ties of any that do not comply with these regulations.”
There are also guidelines for how employees should conduct themselves on social networks like Facebook and Twitter. This landed one Apple worker in deep trouble last month when he posted negative comments about the company on Facebook, ultimately leading to his dismissal.
While it is easy to see why Apple does not want its staff giving it a bad name through their words or actions, this level of censorship has to be bad for morale, not to mention the company's public image.
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