Tim Cook defends search deals with Google, calling it 'best'
Apple's CEO Tim Cook has been vocal about privacy and how big tech companies mine user data for targeted advertising. He's always criticized that kind of business model and maintained that Apple views privacy as a 'core value'. But now, despite that stance, he has defended Apple's multi-billion dollar search engine deals with Google - a company known for doing the same. Here's more.
Apple takes billions of dollars from Google
For those unaware, Apple has a partnership with Google under which it takes billions of dollars from the search giant (approximately $3-9bn) to make its search engine the default choice for surfing the internet. Privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo are available, but this deal ensures that Apple's Safari Browser, Siri Web Search and other places only use Google Search by default.
Ironically, Cook defends this tie-up
Due to this deal, Cook was asked why he was comfortable taking money Google (despite knowing it effectively makes Apple a platform for siphoning more data) in an Axios on HBO interview. In response, Apple boss cited Google as the 'best' search engine and stressed on a number of security-focused features the company has integrated with its products.
Here's what Cook said
"I think their search engine is the best," Cook said in the interview. "Look at what we've done with the controls we've built in. We have private web browsing. We have an intelligent tracker prevention."
And then, he admitted 'it's not a perfect thing'
After citing the controls for browsing security, Cook seemingly admitted that Google's integration is not 'perfect'. "What we've tried to do is come up with ways to help our users through their course of the day," he said. "It's not a perfect thing. I'd be the very first person to say that. But it goes a long way to helping."
What else Cook said in the interview?
Cook also spoke on the need of some sort of privacy regulation in the technology industry, despite not being a big fan of it. He also touched the issue of gender diversity in the Valley and expressed hope for improvement. "I agree 100 percent from a gender point of view, that the Valley has missed it and tech, in general, has missed it."
