According to images surfacing on social media, Apple is tracking and disabling the iPhone devices that were looted from its stores in the United States during recent riots. Messages that have appeared on the looted devices inform thieves that the phone has been tracked, disabled and that the local authorities have been informed.
Aside from explaining that devices are being tracked and that local authorities are going to be alerted, Apple asks the holder to please return the device to the store it was taken from. It’s unclear exactly how many people will follow through with that request though because the message doesn’t appear to suggest Apple will show any clemency when it comes to getting law enforcement involved.
Several news reports on YouTube suggest that several Apple stores across the United States have been looted by rioters; it’s unclear how long these stores will have to remain closed now to sort out repairs. It comes at a bad time for Apple as it, like many other businesses, had to scale back operations due to the coronavirus.
Many firms, including Apple, have come out in solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters in recent days. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, told employees in a memo that the killing of George Floyd by police was “senseless” and announced that Apple would be donating to human rights groups in response.
Via: BBC News