Tech mogul Elon Musk has locked horns with Apple Inc. over the latter entering into a partnership with OpenAI to launch “Apple Intelligence System” for iphones and ipads.
Apple Inc’s CEO Tim Cook announced the new partnership between Apple and OpenAI during the worldwide developers’ conference held on Monday. The new intelligence system is a merger of Apple’s own generative AI models and OpenAI and promises to give users ChatGPT services without any subscription.
Soon after the announcement was made, Elon took to X (formerly Twitter), to show his displeasure towards the partnership and termed it as “absurd.”
“It is 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 and privacy. Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re selling you down the river (sic),” said Musk in one of his posts on X.
Musk’s statements dissing the new partnership between Apple and OpenAI have ignited discussions across the tech community. Musk’s history with OpenAI adds a complex layer to his current stance against Apple integrating OpenAI’s technology into their devices.
What is exactly Elon’s objection on Apple’s Partnership With OpenAI ?
As per the recent announcement, ChatGPT will be available on Apple devices, confirmed Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, at WWDC 2024.
Additionally, ChatGPT will be integrated with Siri, enhancing its ability to gather context and deliver relevant responses. Apple stated that Siri will be able to cross-reference information from various apps to provide more personalized user responses. This was also confirmed by Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO.
Elon Musk has expressed serious concerns regarding Apple’s decision to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology into its iOS 18 platform. He warned Apple that he will ban all its devices from his companies (like SpaceX, X and Tesla) by citing the possible security violation concern.
His main objection centres around the data privacy and security implications this integration might entail, especially considering OpenAI’s shift from a non-profit to a for-profit entity under significant influence from corporate giants like Microsoft and Apple.
Musk’s primary concern revolves around the potential for monopolistic behavior and the misuse of personal data. The integration of sophisticated AI like ChatGPT into widely used consumer devices like iPhones could lead to unprecedented access to user data by large corporations, potentially leading to privacy violations.
Musk raised red flags on AI in the past
Elon Musk has time and again raised concerns about possible misuse of AI and the harms of embedding the technology in everyday gadgets.
During Viva Technology Paris, on May 23, 2024, Elon Musk also presented some of his interactions with AI bots. Watch this video.
Elon Musk expressed his concern, stating that “this may seem like a small concern, but I think it’s actually a very big issue, is that they are not maximally truth-seeking. “
Elon Musk stated that The AI was being trained to lie, and he believes it is extremely dangerous to teach superintelligence to be deceptive.
What is Elon Musk’s Connection with OpenAI ?
Musk was one of the early co-founders of OpenAI in 2015 but parted ways with the organisation in 2018 due to disagreements over the direction of the company.
Musk claimed that he was concerned about OpenAI’s governance and its potential dominance by a few wealthy stakeholders, which contradicts the initial mission of equal and ethical AI development. His departure was marked by a desire to create a competitive entity that could rival the likes of Google and DeepMind.
On February 29, Musk filed a lawsuit against Altman’s OpenAI, accusing the company of contract breach and engaging in unfair business practices. In the lawsuit, Musk claimed that OpenAI’s shift towards maximising profits for Microsoft, rather than prioritising the welfare of humanity, contradicts the company’s original mission.
OpenAI’s Data Privacy Concern: Where to draw a line?
OpenAI, once praised for its open-source ethos and commitment to democratising AI, has faced scrutiny over its data handling practices especially after transitioning to a ‘for-profit model’.
This shift has raised questions about the safeguarding of user data and the transparency of AI applications. The main privacy concern is that integrating such technology into devices like Apple’s iPhone could worsen these issues, leading to potential misuse of personal information.
Warfare clause of OpenAI
Previously, OpenAI’s terms included a clause stating that your data would not be used for military or warfare purposes. However, in January 2024, OpenAI quietly removed this clause, meaning your data can now be utilised for such purposes.
Furthermore, OpenAI has connections with DARPA, an agency of the Pentagon, controlled by the US Deep State. There are concerns that the Deep State may be planning something sinister with this newfound access to user data.
Conclusion
While the integration of OpenAI’s technology into Apple products represents a leap forward in AI capabilities, it also brings significant concerns about data privacy and the influence of large tech corporations in the development of AI technologies.
Also read: Meta launches AI Services for WhatsApp Business in India & Brazil
