Apple is all for data protection law in US, Tim Cook tells EU meeting
Cook has previously criticised Google and Facebook for basing their business models on harvesting personal data for advertising
Brussels — Apple CEO Tim Cook touted the importance of privacy and legislation to protect it on Wednesday, as the iPhone maker seeks to distance itself from Silicon Valley competitors under scrutiny for recent user data breaches. The comments, given at an EU privacy conference in Brussels, come months after the bloc implemented strict new data protection rules and as Apple begins to mend a difficult relationship with the EU following a clash over €13bn in allegedly unpaid taxes. “It’s time for the rest of the world, including my home country, to follow your lead,” Cook said, referencing Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation. “We in Apple are in full support of comprehensive federal privacy laws in the US.” Meanwhile, regulators and legislators in Europe and the US have trained their eyes on Facebook and Google following revelations of potential user privacy violations. In September, Facebook reported a cyber attack that affected 30-million people, with hackers stealing intimat...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.