Yet Another Reminder That There are No Ethical Choices in Modern Capitalism
Are you reading this on a computer or smartphone? That means you’re a terrible person!
Okay, maybe you’re not a terrible person just for using a computer. However, give me a minute to illustrate the point.
In a recent court decision, several big tech firms were found not liable for the forced child labor (read: slavery) required to mine the cobalt they use to manufacture their devices. The article is an interesting read, if a bit technical on the legal side of things, but in a nutshell, the plaintiffs (several current and former child slaves, among others) did not adequately prove that Apple and others were actively complicit in the whole “child slavery” thing and therefore didn’t have standing to seek damages against Apple et al.
I’m going to hold back on commentary on the premise of whether or not Apple and the like should be made to compensate current and former child slaves based on their roles in the supply process. I am working on the assumption that the courts followed the law as written in this case (although that assumption is not a given lately).
I have a lot of feelings on the laws as written, though, and while I am not nearly qualified enough to comment, I tend to worry…
