Breaking: Apple’s AI Features Banned in Europe – Here’s Why!

Apple gets in the hot seat, as a result of stringent European laws. Is Apple Intelligence really spying on folk?

Apple’s Decision on AI Features in Europe

Apple has announced its decision not to introduce several new AI features in the European Union this year due to concerns surrounding regulatory compliance. The company’s new AI system, Apple Intelligence, set to integrate generative AI across its devices in the U.S., will omit features like iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and broader Apple Intelligence capabilities in Europe. This move comes in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which imposes stringent regulations on tech giants, including mandates for interoperability and data portability aimed at fostering fair competition and user data rights (Axios).

Regulatory Uncertainties and Impact on Apple

The DMA’s requirement for interoperability, specifically, poses challenges for Apple, as it involves developing software that can operate across different platforms without compromising user privacy and data security. Apple expressed concerns that adhering to these requirements could jeopardise the integrity of its products. Despite this setback, Apple has affirmed its commitment to collaborating with EU regulators to address these concerns and explore viable solutions that uphold both regulatory standards and user expectations.

Implications for Tech Industry and Future Developments

This latest revelation comes after not one, but two successful campaigns against Meta by civil society organisations, like Belgian group None of Your Business (noyb) to ensure that AI interfaces were not trained using Meta account holders’ data. Apple has now been the latest to experience the tough European Digital Markets Act, which has proven to be a groundbreaking legal precedent for the rest of the world. Many of the features Apple is introducing through Apple Intelligence has already been criticised by many concerned for data privacy, which may explain the relief of many who have campaigned for these legislations.

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*An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.