{
  "id": 138590,
  "title": "Apple Says More Ex-Employees May Have Taken Confidential Data to OpenAI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/apple-says-more-ex-employees-may-have-taken-confidential-data-to-138590",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-04T17:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Slashdot",
    "slug": "slashdot",
    "url": "https://yro.slashdot.org/story/26/08/04/1719218/apple-says-more-ex-employees-may-have-taken-confidential-data-to-openai"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple has taken steps to seek a preliminary injunction against OpenAI and Jony Ive's io startup, alleging that more former Apple employees may have been involved in the theft of trade secrets. The tech giant claims that beyond Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, 11 other former Apple employees, as well as employees of OpenAI and Io, may have been witnesses or involved in the case. Apple's investigation has also uncovered instances where former Apple employees met with OpenAI representatives and shared confidential information. One such instance involved Liu and Peng meeting before Peng's interview at OpenAI, during which they discussed unannounced Apple products. Additionally, another former Apple employee is said to have taken screenshots of confidential documents before an interview at OpenAI. Apple is seeking expedited discovery from the accused individuals, citing good cause to believe that more employees are involved in the alleged theft of intellectual property. OpenAI has responded by calling Apple's request unnecessary, stating their focus is on building innovative products and technologies.",
  "summary": "Apple is now seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent OpenAI and Jony Ive's io startup from developing AI hardware allegedly based on stolen Apple trade secrets. \"The iPhone maker also claims that more of its former employees may be involved with the trade secrets theft,\" reports TechCrunch. From the report: In a new filing, Apple is requesting expedited discovery from the accused OpenAI…",
  "key_points": [
    "Apple seeks preliminary injunction against OpenAI and io for alleged trade secret theft.",
    "11 former Apple employees, plus OpenAI and io employees, potentially involved.",
    "Apple investigation reveals meetings where confidential Apple data shared with OpenAI."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}