Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference is known for exciting software announcements that thrill tech enthusiasts. However, this year, there was an unexpected exception – Elon Musk.
The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX voiced concerns about a new partnership between Apple and Microsoft-backed startup OpenAI, suggesting potential security risks. Apple’s latest operating system update included a feature where Siri could access additional information from ChatGPT.
Musk took to X to express his worries: “Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI,” he wrote. “They’re selling you down the river.”
The collaboration enables Siri to provide answers from OpenAI’s ChatGPT to users of iPhone, Mac, and iPad. Musk threatened to ban Apple devices from his companies if OpenAI integration happens.
Apple mentioned in their developers conference that ChatGPT would be available for free to certain Apple device users, emphasizing privacy protections and data-use policies. They assured that user data would not be stored or accessible to Apple.
Experts have conflicting views on Musk’s claims about the potential security risks. Some, like Alex Stamos, praised Apple’s efforts in data protection and transparency, while others called for more evidence regarding OpenAI’s involvement.
Musk’s history with OpenAI and Apple adds complexity to the situation, with concerns about data privacy and AI trustworthiness being highlighted. As the use of AI becomes more widespread, the need for transparency and accountability in its implementation grows.
Overall, the debate sparked by Musk’s comments sheds light on the evolving landscape of AI and the importance of balancing innovation with privacy and security concerns.
Night Archiving Supervisor Valerie Hood contributed to this report.
