You're also assuming that she did not just disable her lock code prior to giving the phone for repair. For a non-tech person, it's a reasonable assumption that somebody might have trouble fixing a device that they're locked out of.
I maintain that, while what happened is terrible and indefensible, that's not a safe assumption to make.
>You're also assuming that she did not just disable her lock code prior to giving the phone for repair. For a non-tech person, it's a reasonable assumption that somebody might have trouble fixing a device that they're locked out of.
Apple instructs you during the service booking process to back up the device and erase it before sending it in for service, which is also documented elsewhere [0].
I feel like you're veering dangerously close to victim blaming here. Them asking the customer to erase their devices to "protect their data" seems like a thinly veiled attempt to cover their asses if one of their apparently not well vetted technicians decide to violate somebody's privacy illegally. It also sounds like a major pain in the ass especially for people who don't own a computer to backup that data to.
I have no sympathy for Apple here especially considering the level of FUD they spread about the Right to Repair movement exposing your Apple device to allegedly dangerous third party technicians.
The default on iOS is a 6-digit PIN for which you get ten attempts, with an increasing penalty after the first few. iOS really really pushes you to set a passcode. If you bypass that, then that's on you, even more so when your device contains anything you wouldn't like others to see, be it lost or stolen or submitted for service.
Assuming she didn't have something to backup the data to, then it would make some sense for her to disable the passcode so somebody could perform the repair without requiring the erasure of her data.
With iCloud Backup enabled, your device automatically backs itself up overnight when the display is off and it's connected to power and Wi-Fi; manual backups can also be triggered any time — such as just before you wipe it to send it in for service.
Apple includes these instructions in their servicing kit (the box they send you to send in your phone), and also provides them in person if you drop off the phone at a store; you are specifically asked if you have a backup.