Apple accused of swerving MPs’ questions on its environmental record

15 September 2020, 11:54

Apple
Apple accused of swerving MPs questions on its environmental record. Picture: PA

A call for answers on the repairability of Apple devices comes as the firm prepares to launch its latest wave of products.

MPs have accused Apple of failing to answer questions about the environmental sustainability of its products, as the tech giant prepares to reveal new devices to the world.

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) said the iPhone maker continues to swerve questions on its environmental record and how repairable its devices are.

Apple has pledged to become carbon neutral across its entire business, manufacturing supply chain, and product life cycle by 2030, meaning every device it sells will have net-zero climate impact.

But committee chairman Philip Dunne said the firm’s “unwillingness” to address politicians leads him to believe its environmental obligations are “not taken seriously enough”.

Its unwillingness to answer my committee’s questions has led us to believe its environmental obligation is not taken seriously enough

Philip Dunne, committee chairman

Apple was invited and agreed to appear before MPs on July 16 for an inquiry into electronic waste but cancelled at short notice, the committee said.

Mr Dunne then wrote to Apple chief executive Tim Cook on August 4 seeking answers to a series of questions, asking for a response by September 4, but a reply is yet to be received.

MPs want to grill Apple about what it is doing to enhance the operating life of its products, as well as how it promotes repair, reuse and recycling.

So far, the committee said it had heard that it can be too expensive or even impossible for Apple products to be repaired, as well as claims that the firm prevents third parties from repairing its devices and restricts access to parts.

“Apple has made more than two billion iPhones – a phone for every person in the whole of Africa and Europe,” said Mr Dunne.

“Today, as Apple unveils its next generation of gadgets, my committee continues to wait for answers on what the company is doing to tackle its environmental footprint.

“With the speed at which new devices are brought to market, tech companies drive consumers to buy new products rather than prolonging the life of their existing items.

Apple
Apple has pledged to become carbon neutral across its entire business, manufacturing supply chain, and product life cycle by 2030 (Jonathan Brady/PA)

“It can also be very difficult to repair electronic devices, with many companies making it almost impossible – or if possible, very expensive – for consumers to have the ability to fix themselves.

“As a result, we’re seeing a throwaway society for electronics, and tech companies must take responsibility for the environmental impact that this causes.

“A circular economy with repair and recycling at its heart is crucial if we are to tackle the climate emergency.

“Apple appears to have a positive story to tell regarding its efforts on climate change. But its unwillingness to answer my committee’s questions has led us to believe its environmental obligation is not taken seriously enough.”

By Press Association

More Technology News

See more More Technology News

Facial recognition will be used to help passengers skip passport queues at ports.

British travellers arriving back in UK could 'avoid passport queues' with new facial recognition technology

Dan Jarvis (Richard Townshend/UK Parliament)

Russian networks tried to disrupt UK election but did not cause ‘notable’ impact

Meta’s Orion glasses

Smart glasses will be future of computing, Meta executives say

A man in a hoodie in front of several computer monitors

Warning issued about social media and email account hacking after reports jump

Walton Aubrey Webson smiling, wearing grey suit jacket

Blind and partially sighted risk exclusion from AI revolution, diplomat warns

Apps on a mobile phone

Critics say Ofcom is too weak on illegal social media content as new rules start

Technology firms must tackle illegal content on their platforms under new rules, but there are concerns that the changes are too weak.

New Ofcom powers for online safety come into force as charities warn of 'major gaps' in legislation

Exclusive
Jordan Stephens, Rizzle Kicks star.

Rizzle Kicks star says children 'rely' on online communities for connection as he says 'boredom' to blame for rising crime

A message on an iPhone

Media denied entry to tribunal thought to be about Apple and Government data row

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (PA)

Disruptive phones have no place in schools, Education Secretary says

A finger hovering over a phone screen with the Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp logos

Fact check: Hoax posts about killers and stabbings in local Facebook groups

A drone in the air with countryside behind

Drones used to sow tree seeds in scheme to restore lost South West rainforests

ASCL president Manny Botwe

Technology ‘being weaponised’ against schools and teachers – union leader

A woman using a laptop as she holds a bank card

Phishing campaign impersonating Booking.com targeting UK hospitality

Crypto regulation

NCA officer charged following alleged Bitcoin theft

Sir Keir Starmer walking out the door of 10 Downing Street carrying folders under his left arm

Starmer’s plans to shape up ‘flabby’ Civil Service could trigger union clash