Former Apple employee prosecuted for leaks

Since Apple tries to keep its future product launches secret, some have specialized in disclosing informationconfidentialto the media. Often a good way to make money on the back of the Apple brand, especially since the various blogs relaying this kind of data are particularly fond of it in the run-up to the keynotes.

Despite everything, such behavior is simply prohibited, and engaging in it also risks finding yourself facing a judge. This is what happens toSimon Lancaster, former employee of the Californian company. He was in charge of the design of theMacBook Pro (just that) from thirteenand fifteen inches with Touch Bar, before finally jumping ship at the end of 2019.

Abuse galore

What the justice system specifically accuses of Lancaster is having stolen manufacturing secrets by taking advantage of his role at Apple. He has indeed climbed the ranks with more than oneten years of seniority, which then allowed him to access particularly sensitive files. The man would have even reached departments that did not concern him.

All this with the aim of obtaining personal remuneration: if there is no question here of specific payments, the accused would in fact have gained thanks to content promoting his new business. The irony is that he was finally spotted using a branded device... Apple, which is also supplied by Cupertino on a professional basis. Not very smart.

Leaks and end

Among the information illegally shared by the thief, we find in particularproduct roadmapnot yet official, but also updates to existing articles. Food of choice for front-line publishers, who love nuggets of this type in order to satisfy their readers. But at what cost? Nothing says that those who relayed the leaks would not also be prosecuted.

Lancaster, for his part, is in a bad position: his startup Arris has even continued to take advantage of its status as an Apple reseller to continue transmitting confidential files. The man would also have downloaded a large quantity of documents just before his departure: a sign which should give food for thought to the jurors.