Tim Cook Delivers Speech Emphasizing Apple's Opposition to Sideloading

Tim Cook delivered the keynote speech at the Global Privacy Summit in Washington D.C.

Cook talked about Apple's commitment to privacy, which the company has described as a fundamental human right.

Cook said that the fight to protect privacy is one of the most important battles of our time. As a company, we are inspired by what technology can do, but we also know that technology is neither good nor bad. It is what we make of it. The mirror reflects the ambitions of the people who use it, the people who build it, and the people who regulate it.

Cook highlighted Apple's privacy features that give users control over their data, like App Tracking transparency, but said he is deeply concerned about proposed regulations that would diminish these features and expose users to privacy and security risks. The Digital Markets Act in the European Union would require Apple to allow sideloading of apps outside of the App Store.

Cook said that policymakers are taking steps in the name of competition that would force Apple to let apps onto iPhone that circumvent the App Store. It would give bad actors a way around the comprehensive security protections we have put in place.

Cook said that Apple does not believe in regulations that undermine privacy.

Cook warned that if we are forced to let unvetted apps onto iPhone, the consequences will be profound.

Cook's speech begins at the 14:05 mark of the video that was streamed live on YouTube.

Cook and other senior Apple executives, such as software engineering chief Craig Federighi, have repeatedly expressed the company's opposition to regulations that would require sideloading and third-party app stores on the iPhone.

The discussion thread is located in the Political News forum due to the political nature of the discussion. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.