Microsoft and Sony found to be linked to a company using forced labor

Workers were forbidden from leaving the factory grounds, and meals and even sleep were under the constant supervision of guards

Reuters journalists managed to learn that the American company Universal Electronics Inc (UEI) organized the transportation of hundreds of Uyghur workers from Xinjiang to its factory located in the Chinese city of Qinzhou. There, they were forced to work and their freedom was severely restricted. Sleeping and even eating took place under the constant supervision of guards.

A UEI representative stated that the agreement to provide workers was concluded with the Xinjiang authorities through a third party, and the company did not investigate how and where they were trained.

The US Department of State declined to comment on the situation with UEI, but stated that it condemns knowingly obtaining financial benefits from the use of forced labor.

Universal Electronics Inc supplies software and hardware to Sony, Samsung, LG, Microsoft, and many other companies engaged in electronics manufacturing.