Recently, Apple has prohibited its employees from utilizing AI platforms, including the widely popular ChatGPT app. Released just yesterday for the iPhone, ChatGPT has gained significant acclaim for its ability to address user queries and tackle complex tasks through the power of artificial intelligence. However, Apple’s internal document highlights the company’s apprehension regarding the potential data collection of sensitive employee information, leading to the ban on AI platforms.
The Wall Street Journal accessed this internal document, revealing Apple’s concerns about securing confidential employee data within AI platforms. Alongside ChatGPT, Apple has banned using GitHub Copilot, a Microsoft-owned platform that empowers developers with coding automation capabilities.
ChatGPT, which receives support from Microsoft, sends data to developers to enhance the artificial intelligence models employed by the platform. However, in March, a bug was discovered that allowed users to view the chat history of other ChatGPT users. As a response, ChatGPT implemented measures to avoid storing chat history and participating in AI model training.
The prohibition imposed by Apple seeks to safeguard its engineers, as there is no guarantee of code safety when using such AI platforms. In theory, even the platform developers themselves could potentially exploit the code. This concern extends to handling other confidential information, such as composing emails using ChatGPT.
Apple is not alone in its decision to restrict the usage of ChatGPT and other AI platforms among employees. JPMorgan Chase and Verizon have also implemented similar bans, with Amazon instructing its engineers to utilize its internal AI tool instead of relying on third-party platforms, as reported by WSJ sources. Notably, Apple is reportedly working on its own proprietary artificial intelligence model.
Heading Apple’s new AI project is a former Google employee who joined the company in 2018—during a recent discussion with investors, Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged the immense potential of artificial intelligence while highlighting the need to address specific challenges for the technology to operate optimally.
In recent news, it was revealed that Apple has been secretly testing a cutting-edge technology codenamed “Bobcat.” This technology aims to enhance Siri’s capabilities by incorporating natural speech. However, the public release date for this innovation remains unknown.
Even Apple employees have expressed dissatisfaction with Siri’s performance, citing an outdated database and technology as key factors contributing to its limitations.
