Mikey Campbell
In the second segment of a two-part interview with Charlie Rose, Apple CEO Tim Cook discusses privacy issues, workplace diversity, Apple's driving philosophy and the company's tie-up with rock band U2.
Among the wide-ranging topics, Cook said Apple's business is not based on gathering consumer information, as with other companies like Google, but selling products like the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
"Our business is not based on having information about you. You're not our product," Cook said, adding, "Our product are these, and this watch, and Macs and so forth. And so we run a very different company. I think everyone has to ask, how do companies make their money? Follow the money. And if they're making money mainly by collecting gobs of personal data, I think you have a right to be worried."
Cook goes on to detail his ideals on diversity in the workplace, saying everyone should be treated with respect. The CEO's statements come one month after Apple released a report on employee diversity, which highlighted a preponderance of white male workers.
"Treating people with dignity. Treating people the same. That everyone deserves a basic level of human rights, regardless of their color, regardless of their religion, regardless of their sexual orientation, regardless of their gender. That everyone deserves respect. And, you know, I'll fight for it until my toes point out," Cook said.
As for the now notorious U2 album, which Apple pushed out to iTunes users for free last week, Cook's said the focus was on giving back to iTunes users. The brief mention was filmed before it was discovered that Apple linked U2's new "Songs of Innocence" LP to user accounts, prompting the company to launched an opt-out webpage on Monday.
"Some may not love it. I hope they all do. But it was more about our customers," Cook said of the album. "And so, it felt great to participate in something that's music history — one of the largest album releases ever. But the real thing was giving something to our users."
Rose first sat down with the Apple chief last week, covering upcoming products like the Apple TV to the recently announced iPhone lineup.
The final segment of Cook's interview will air Monday night on PBS and will replay Tuesday on Bloomberg TV at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern. In addition to Cook, Rose sits down with designer Yves Behar, who recently took on the role of chief creative officer at Jawbone.
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49 Comments
I think he's right that we need to be concerned about companies (Google) that make all their money out of collecting private data. I just wish there were more tech companies who had the same philosophy as Apple and that more consumers realised the risks associated with trusting corporations like Google...
Very well stated by Cook. Love that he made it crystal clear that one should follow the money, and look into a company's business model to gauge their interest in your personal data. I know how Apple makes their billions. And it's not through selling my info. It's all about motivation.
Slap those who criticize Tim.
Tim is a great leader. And a greatest leader is growing in him.
Mr. Cook, I like the numerous Apple owners who purchase Apple products, believe that your computers/software, your mentality, your culture, and your ethics are something that can relate to. However, being part of the ever growing number of people experiencing hardware failure with their MacBook pros from 2011, your silence on this issue does not support this belief. http://www.change.org/p/timothy-d-cook-replace-or-fix-all-2011-macbook-pro-with-graphics-failure - I spent $2500 on a superior machine that I knew would last a long time, one that I could depend on just like other Apple products I own and have owned. To have it fail, and for the issue to be so wide-spread makes me, and all the others suffering feel cheated. Please Mr. Cook don't let this change the way we feel about Apple. We are the pro's, and we are the power users who create the word of mouth Buzz that makes Apple such a success. Please don't fail us.
They collect data, but its more like the weather report than a political prognostication. It helps Siri or Messages (on the %uF8FFWatch) return better replies, although Siri made need some more help with that, not that I am mad about it. I like that you pay Apple for the product and that is the end of that. I don't get with the Google and for the most part Facebook philosophy that makes us all into the product that they sell to people who they will not even tell us who they are. Targeted ads suck mightily, so does Netflix with their targeted movies. But that could be because I am so not cooperative with that way to do business.