Apple CEO Tim Cook Seeks EU Approval for Siri AI Amid Privacy Dispute
Apple CEO Tim Cook is urgently negotiating with the European Commission to allow the launch of Siri's new AI features in Europe, scheduled for September. Cook recently held a constructive video call with EU Technology Commissioner Eva Várkonyi to discuss ongoing issues related to the AI assistant's deployment. Europe accounted for nearly 27% of Apple's sales in the last fiscal year, underscoring the market's importance.
Apple announced that Siri AI will not be available on iPhones or iPads in EU countries due to the Commission's refusal to cooperate on privacy and security assurances. Apple claims it shared its plans and a technical proposal to resolve concerns six months ago. However, the Commission's spokesperson Thomas Regnier stated the decision to withhold Siri AI in Europe is Apple's alone, emphasizing that EU law does not prevent new product launches. He accused Apple of failing to meet the EU's strict privacy and security standards and rejecting a constructive solution, instead requesting an 18-month exemption from obligations, which the Commission rejected.
The EU does not consider Siri AI inherently dangerous but objects to Apple's attempt to make it the exclusive default assistant, potentially blocking competitors and violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Commission insists that if Apple integrates AI deeply into its operating system, it must provide equal OS access to rival companies offering alternative assistants. Apple counters that such demands would force it to reveal proprietary system secrets, compromising user security. It warns that granting third-party AI assistants deep system access could create significant security vulnerabilities exploitable by hackers.
Apple also highlights its unique cloud infrastructure that processes AI data without retention, arguing that EU requirements to share sensitive user data with external AI engines would undermine user privacy once data leaves Apple's system. The dispute remains unresolved as Apple seeks to balance innovation with regulatory compliance in the critical European market.
