Musk Eyes Phone Amid Apple AI Privacy Concerns

Musk has issued a stern warning to Apple: if the tech giant integrates OpenAI’s ChatGPT at the OS level, Apple devices will be barred from his businesses. This comment on X following Apple’s WWDC 2024 event emphasizes Musk’s significant privacy concerns and suggests a growing interest in making his smartphone.

Musk’s Reaction to Apple and OpenAI Partnership

Musk has expressed discontent with Apple’s incorporation of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its devices. He believes it poses a big security concern. Musk said on X that if Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, he will prohibit Apple products from his firms. “That is an unacceptable security violation,” Musk wrote.

Either stop this creepy spyware or all Apple devices will be banned from the premises of my companies.

Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 10, 2024

He even addressed Apple CEO Tim Cook with identical sentiments. This powerful reaction spurred extensive internet discussion, with some thinking that Musk genuinely considered manufacturing a smartphone.

If Apple actually integrates woke nanny AI spyware into their OS, we might need to do that!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 10, 2024

The Possibility of an “X Phone”

Musk’s dealings with X have spurred talk about a possible “X phone.” Musk responded enthusiastically to the idea of a phone with an open-source operating system and Starlink cellular capability, stating that it was “not out of the question.” Mike Benz, Executive Director of the Foundation for Freedom Online, also proposed a Grok-enabled phone. Musk agreed, saying he would consider such a project if Apple included OpenAI into its operating systems.

Musk: The History Behind Criticism

Musk’s criticisms of OpenAI are not new. Musk first backed OpenAI as a nonprofit in 2015 but distanced himself from the firm in 2018. Since then, he has been open about his worries, particularly OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit business.

Musk has questioned this shift, claiming that OpenAI was originally intended to be an open-source counterbalance to Google but has since evolved into a “closed-source, maximum-profit company effectively controlled by Microsoft.” This move has motivated his staunch opposition to OpenAI’s collaboration with Apple.

Apple’s AI Integration and Privacy Concerns

Apple recently introduced a series of AI technologies, including ChatGPT integration, which elicited mixed comments. While some users are pleased about the new features, Musk is seriously worried about privacy. He feels Apple’s adoption of ChatGPT poses a huge security risk, as user data may be abused.

Apple has highlighted that its AI approach is privacy-focused. The company’s AI, or Apple Intelligence, runs on devices without transmitting data over the Internet. However, more sophisticated tasks necessitate server-based AI, which Apple intends to secure through encryption and post-task data destruction.

ChatGPT on Apple Devices

Apple’s integration of ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, enables users to complete various tasks with AI assistance. Users must opt in and be notified every time they access ChatGPT. Apple states that IP addresses are masked, and OpenAI would not store user data without authorization. Despite these promises, Musk is suspicious of the privacy and security concerns.

Musk’s major point revolves around the potential privacy risks of integrating ChatGPT. He claims that AI systems have the potential to misuse personal data, a problem that has been raised with previous AI models. Although Apple and OpenAI provide privacy guarantees, the issue of how data is handled remains unanswered.

Elon Musk’s negative attitude on Apple’s integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT has fueled speculation that he may enter the smartphone industry. The tech sector is paying close attention to his comments, which are driven by concerns about privacy and security. It is unclear whether Musk would launch an “X phone,” but recent statements suggest he is seriously considering the idea. The interaction of digital titans and the development of AI-powered devices will affect the future of technology and privacy.