Elon Musk threatens to ban Apple devices over ChatGPT integration

By Vaughn Cockayne - The Washington Times - Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X, said he would ban Apple devices from his companies if the tech giant integrates ChatGPT technology into its operating system.

Mr. Musk said Apple’s move constitutes a security risk.

“That is an unacceptable security violation,” Mr. Musk posted on X Monday. “And visitors will have to check their Apple devices at the door, where they will be stored in a Faraday cage.”

Besides Tesla and X, Mr. Musk operates SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink and The Boring Co.

He also runs his own AI company, xAI, which competes directly with OpenAI. Despite arriving late to the AI craze, xAI has raised billions in funding and was last valued at around $24 billion.

The legality of Mr. Musk banning Apple technology from his businesses is questionable. He would likely be hit with an antitrust or discrimination lawsuit over the restriction unless he could prove that ChatGPT is a serious security risk.

He was responding to Apple’s announcement that it would integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT tool into several of its apps as part of a partnership with the artificial intelligence company. Apple preempted Mr. Musk’s concerns, claiming to have integrated OpenAI’s tools with security in mind.

Mr. Musk remained unconvinced.

“It’s patently absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI,” Mr. Musk posted, “yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security & privacy!”

According to Apple, it has its own AI model that will be used by default on its devices. However, users will now be able to choose between Apple’s own AI model and ChatGPT.

The X owner’s outrage at Apple’s decision is the latest in a monthslong feud between the billionaire and ChatGPT. Mr. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI with its current CEO Sam Altman, sued the company in March for moving away from its original mission.

Mr. Musk’s xAI competes with OpenAI. Despite arriving late to the AI craze, xAI has raised billions in funding and was last valued at around $24 billion.