The Latest in IT Security

Working conditions at a Chinese factory supplying parts for Apple Inc iPads and MacBooks are dangerous and have even deteriorated since they were highlighted a year ago, two labor watchdogs said on Thursday. Apple, however, said many of the problems were corrected after an inspection last week. U.S.-based China Labor Watch and Green America said in a joint statement that an investigation last month at Catcher Technology Co Ltd (Suqian), part of Taiwan-based Catcher Technology Co Ltd, had found hazardous working conditions, with flammable aluminum-magnesium alloy filings scattered on the factory floor, and fire exits and windows locked. A 25-page report on the factory investigation, the latest of several to criticize Apple suppliers over recent years, comes just before the expected launch on Tuesday of the new iPhone 6.