Apple removed Parler from its app store for “failing to effectively police content” (1). It did the same for Gab, even though Gab appealed the suspension, pointing out that many other approved social networks contained identical content that Apple did not scrutinize (2). Apple has also enabled censorship in other countries, including China and Taiwan (3)(4). Apple received a score of 100 on the Corporate Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Among other requirements, this means the company has pledged to vet vendors based on LGBTQ policies (4). Apple has also banned Fortnite, Metadata+, Trapster, and many other apps (5). According to various reports, including from Apple itself, the company blocks millions of apps each year; some of these banned apps are available on other platforms, such as Google Play (6). Some of these banned apps have accused Apple of banning them for political or other reasons (7). After Elon Musk became CEO of Twitter, Apple allegedly threatened to pull Twitter from its App Store (8). Apple has not denied this claim.

Apple will not match employee donations or give volunteer grants to organizations that are “religious in nature” (1). The company also requires that recipients of Apple’s matching donations have LGBTQ nondiscrimination policies (2).

Apple does not protect its employees against viewpoint discrimination (1). The company fought against a shareholder resolution to ensure protections for employees and clients against viewpoint discrimination (2). Apple fired an employee who objected to its censorship, spurring an ongoing lawsuit over political discrimination (3)(4).

Apple used iTunes to solicit donations for the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) (1). CEO Tim Cook wrote a Washington Post op-ed referring to religious freedom legislation as “pro-discrimination” (2). Apple also advocates for the Equality Act and transgender participation in girls’ and women’s sports (3)(4). Apple voiced opposition to various state legislatures’ efforts to secure their voting systems as well as the 2015 NC “Bathroom Bill” that required people to use the restroom corresponding to their biological sex (5)(6). Apple opposed the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, which prohibits teaching gender identity and sexual orientation in schools to kids in K-3rd grade (7).

Apple has given $1 million to the SPLC and is a Platinum Sponsor of the HRC (1)(2). Overall, Apple has pledged $100 million to the Black Lives Matter movement and related causes (3)(4). Apple’s medical benefits cover abortion-related travel costs for employees (5). Apple is a Titanium sponsor of Out and Equal (6).

Apple does not have a PAC (1). However, Apple’s lobbying activity has remained nonpartisan and in accordance with business interests (2).