Apple probes iPod maker's labor practices

Apple Computer says it is looking into a British newspaper report that the company's iPods are made by workers in China who are forced to toil for long hours before being allowed to return to their dormitories.

At one facility where iPods are made, workers reportedly were made to work 15-hour days before being allowed to leave for dormitories housed within the same complex as the factories.

"We are currently investigating the allegations regarding working conditions in the iPod manufacturing plant in China," Apple said in a statement. "We do not tolerate any violations of our supplier code of conduct."

The initial report was made by Britain's Mail on Sunday newspaper, with a variety of follow-up stories, including this piece from the BBC.