Elon Musk has threatened to ban Apple iPhones from his companies, calling the tech giant's deal with OpenAI a security risk, and saying that Apple has "no clue" that its data might be compromised in the long run.
MarketWatch reported that the statement, posted Monday (June 10) on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter and is owned by Musk, was a major escalation in the tensions between the tech boss who owns X, Tesla, and SpaceX and Apple CEO Tim Cook
It’s patently absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security & privacy!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 10, 2024
Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re selling you down the river.
Apple's Plans to Integrate ChatGPT
Earlier Monday, Apple revealed its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference, which included the OpenAI deal, in which generative AI software ChatGPT would be integrated into its latest iPhones.
Apple explained that users would still have control over when ChatGPT would be used, and that they would need to give their permission before any of their data is shared in its algorithm.
MacRumors reported that the company also introduced the latest iPhone fitted with its latest software model, iOS 18, as well as the new macOS 15 codenamed Sequoia.
Musk warned that he would have to ban Apple devices from his companies if Apple integrates OpenAI in its iOS platform, calling it an "unacceptable" security violation.
However, it remains to be seen how exactly Apple's ChatGPT integration would work or how likely Musk would follow through with his threat.
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
Musk vs. Tim Cook, Sam Altman, Tesla Shareholders, Australia
VCPost understands that Musk is currently facing multiple corporate and legal battles.
Musk and Cook have had a long-standing feud since last year after Apple ceased advertising on X after Musk endorsed an alleged antisemitic conspiracy theory tied into the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
Last week, the Australian eSafety Commissioner renewed its legal dispute against X regarding the church stabbing incident involving the Assyrian Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel.
Musk also founded his own AI firm called xAI in response to him leaving OpenAI, after co-founding it with CEO Sam Altman. The feud resulted in Musk suing OpenAI in March, claiming that it was putting profits over humanity, a sentiment echoed by some of its former employees and even Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson.
On the other hand, security in OpenAI's San Francisco office has allegedly increased after undercover guards were spotted by local reporters within the perimeter of its compound. The company has not provided any comment about the matter.
Meanwhile, Musk has been embroiled in a salary dispute after several Tesla shareholders, including the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund, expressed their intention to plot a board coup in its upcoming general meeting. In response, Musk was consolidating support from small investors to vote to increase his pay package to $56 billion.
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