Elon Musk has threatened to ban Apple devices, including the iPhone, from the companies he founded due to concerns about the new partnership between Apple and OpenAI and the potential security risks it could pose to users’ personal data. Musk made the announcement on X, formerly Twitter, stating that if Apple integrates OpenAI at the operating system level, Apple devices will be banned at his companies. This decision was made in response to Apple’s unveiling of new AI-based features and its partnership with OpenAI at their annual developer event.
Musk, who runs or co-founded several companies including Tesla, SpaceX, the Boring Company, and X, stated that visitors to his companies will need to check their Apple devices at the door to be stored in a Faraday cage, which shields them from electromagnetic fields. Apple has not yet responded to Musk’s remarks. The iPhone maker announced at their developer event the Apple Intelligence system, which includes features like Siri’s improved capabilities and integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT for users to access through Siri on Apple devices.
Apple assured users that their devices would not collect personal data through the ChatGPT integration and highlighted their privacy protections built into the system. The company mentioned that IP addresses would be obscured, and OpenAI would not store requests, emphasizing their commitment to privacy in AI. Apple also shared that certain requests would be processed on-device without the need for an internet connection, while more complex requests would be handled in cloud data centers with Apple-made chips, further ensuring user privacy.
Elon Musk’s relationship with OpenAI has been complex, as he co-founded the organization in 2015 but later resigned from the board in 2018. Musk has taken legal action against the makers of ChatGPT, including CEO Sam Altman, alleging that the company has strayed from its original mission to develop AI for the benefit of humanity in pursuit of profits. This legal action is indicative of Musk’s concerns about the direction of AI development and its potential implications for user privacy and security.
Overall, Musk’s decision to ban Apple devices at his companies reflects his ongoing commitment to prioritizing user privacy and security in the face of evolving AI technologies. Apple’s partnership with OpenAI and the integration of ChatGPT into its operating systems raise questions about data protection and privacy, prompting Musk to take a strong stance against potential security violations. As the debate over AI ethics and privacy continues, Musk’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in the development and implementation of advanced technologies.
