TLDR
- Elon Musk has threatened to ban iPhones and other Apple devices from his companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), due to Apple’s recent integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its operating systems.
- Musk expressed concerns about data privacy and security, considering the integration of OpenAI’s technology an “unacceptable security violation.”
- Visitors to Musk’s companies would have to check their Apple devices at the door and store them in a Faraday cage to block wireless signals.
- Musk criticized Apple for relying on OpenAI instead of developing its own AI, accusing the company of lacking control over data once it’s handed over to OpenAI.
- Apple assured that user data privacy is a priority, with users retaining control over when ChatGPT is used and explicit consent required before sharing any information.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), has stirred up controversy in the tech world with his recent threat to ban iPhones and other Apple devices from all his companies.
This dramatic move comes in response to Apple’s announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, where they unveiled plans to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into their operating systems as part of their “Apple Intelligence” initiative.
Musk took to X, the social media platform he owns, to express his concerns and lay down the gauntlet. In a post, he wrote,
“If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies. That is an unacceptable security violation.”
Musk further elaborated that visitors would have to check their Apple devices at the door, where they would be stored in a Faraday cage to block any wireless signals.
At the heart of Musk’s concerns lies the issue of data privacy and security. He believes that integrating OpenAI’s technology into Apple’s operating system presents significant risks to user data.
Musk has long been a vocal advocate for data privacy and has expressed skepticism about OpenAI’s handling of data in the past.
If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies. That is an unacceptable security violation.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 10, 2024
Despite Apple’s assurances that user data privacy is a top priority and that users will have explicit control over when ChatGPT is used and what information is shared, Musk remains unconvinced.
He accused Apple of using the words “protect your privacy” while essentially “handing your data over to a third-party AI that they don’t understand and can’t themselves create.”
Musk’s criticism extends beyond just the privacy concerns. He also questioned Apple’s reliance on OpenAI for its AI capabilities, accusing the tech giant of being “patently absurd” for not being “smart enough to make their own AI.”
Musk believes that by outsourcing AI development to OpenAI, Apple lacks true control over the data and the technology.
Apple, on the other hand, has defended its position. Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering, assured users that AI features would use a combination of on-device processing and cloud computing to maintain data privacy.
He stated that users would be in control over when ChatGPT is used and would be asked for consent before any information is shared.
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that users’ requests are not logged, and IP addresses are obscured.
He also noted that users can opt to connect their ChatGPT account to access additional features, but this is optional and subject to user consent.
Musk’s ultimatum to ban Apple devices could have significant implications for his companies. Tesla, SpaceX, and X employ thousands of people who rely on various devices, including iPhones, for their daily operations. Implementing such a ban could disrupt workflows and create logistical challenges.
