Tim Cook Gives GDPR a Standing Ovation
Apple’s chief Tim Cook took the stage at a Brussels data‑privacy conference and threw a huge compliment at the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). He said the law has set a bright star for the rest of the world, and that private companies should follow suit.
Why Apple’s CEO is Avidly Fond of GDPR
- Data Security – Cook reminded us that personal data is no longer just a footnote; it’s the main headline in “weaponisation” against users.
- Global Leadership – “If we want a world that protects every citizen, we must remember that sentiment,” he said, urging other nations, especially the United States, to adopt comparable fences.
- Collective Feedback – “Regulators are asking tough questions,” Cook noted, signalling Apple’s readiness to cooperate and learn.
Key Take‑aways from Cook’s Speech
Cook’s words stuck in the audience’s mind for three reasons:
- Surveillance Alert – “Surveillance is happening all around us,” he warned, calling it “unwholesome coaching for the new age.”
- Call for Unity – He emphasized that Canada, Germany, and anyone else in between should join the compliance train. “We need a once‑over policy that will keep us all in line,” he said.
- Apple’s Stance – “We at Apple stand behind a comprehensive federal privacy law in the United States,” Cook articulated crisply.
Humorous Footnote
Some people giggled when Cook mentioned that the EU turned “a pesky problem” into a “pretty sweet, data‑protection insurance policy.” The audience basically smiled, muttered, and then handed out check‑lists on how to sign the privacy oath of coffee‑drunk, privacy‑conscious citizens.
More updates? Keep your eyes on the official #ICDPPC2018 feed—Apple’s next data‑policy mashup should arrive sooner than a Wi‑Fi connection at a coffee shop.
