Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has adopted a human rights policy.
In a new document, the iPhone maker outlines the company's commitment to upholding human rights, freedom of information, and expression. The human rights policy comes after years of criticism that the company bows to demands from Beijing and carries out censorship in mainland China, Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong.
The human rights policy, titled 'Our Commitment to Human Rights,' has been approved by Apple’s board and "quietly" published prior to a deadline for submitting motions for Apple's next shareholder's meeting.
Apple says its commitment to human rights extends not only to the technology it makes, but its supply chain, and how it treats people.
The document notes that Apple, "in keeping with the United Nations Guiding Principles" will follow the higher standard where national law and international human rights standards differ. However, it also says that Apple will "respect national law while seeking to respect the principles of internationally recognized human rights."
