7 biggest scandals that shook the tech world

The technology industry may drive innovation and shape the future, but it has also been at the centre of some of the most controversial scandals in modern history.

From privacy violations to corporate misconduct, these incidents exposed the darker side of Silicon Valley’s giants.

Here are seven of the biggest scandals that sent shockwaves across the tech world.

1. Microsoft’s “Recall” privacy controversy (2024)

At Build 2024, Microsoft unveiled “Recall,” an AI feature that automatically captures screenshots of users’ desktops every few seconds.

Privacy advocates slammed it as “spyware,” warning it could expose personal and sensitive data. 

Regulators in the UK quickly launched investigations, forcing Microsoft to rethink how it rolled out the feature.

2. Apple vs Epic Games (2020–ongoing)

In 2020, Epic Games challenged Apple’s 30% App Store commission by offering direct payments in Fortnite. Apple retaliated by banning the game, sparking a high-profile lawsuit.

While courts sided mostly with Apple, the legal battle continues, symbolising growing concerns about monopoly power in app ecosystems.

3. Google’s Pentagon AI project (2018)

Google faced fierce backlash after employees learned it was helping the Pentagon with “Project Maven,” an AI program designed for drone operations.

Thousands of workers signed petitions, arguing it violated Google’s ethics.

4. Cambridge Analytica–Facebook scandal (2018)

The world was stunned when it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica harvested data from millions of Facebook users without consent to influence elections.

Facebook was fined $5 billion, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified before Congress. The scandal marked a turning point in debates over privacy and big tech accountability.

5. Samsung’s exploding Galaxy Note 7 (2016)

Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy Note 7 turned into a public relations nightmare when defective batteries caused devices to overheat and explode.

Despite an initial recall, replacement phones also caught fire, forcing Samsung to discontinue the model entirely. The fiasco cost the company nearly $17 billion.

6. Apple, Google, Intel, and Adobe antitrust lawsuit (2015)

In 2015, four of the world’s top tech firms — Apple, Google, Intel, and Adobe — paid $415 million to settle an anti-poaching lawsuit.

Over 64,000 employees accused them of conspiring to suppress wages by agreeing not to hire each other’s staff.

While the companies denied wrongdoing, the hefty settlement spoke volumes.

7. HP’s spying scandal (2006)

HP’s long-held reputation for integrity crumbled when investigators, hired by the board, used illegal tactics to track journalists and directors suspected of leaks.

The practice, known as “pretexting,” forced Chairwoman Patricia Dunn to resign and deeply tarnished HP’s image.