Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

controversy

backlash

privacy

criticism

removed

image generation

Muse AI

Meta has removed one of the key features of its newly launched Muse Image AI tool just days after its debut, following widespread criticism over privacy, consent and the use of public Instagram content.
The company confirmed that the feature, which allowed users to generate AI images by referencing public Instagram accounts, is no longer available after admitting it "missed the mark". The decision follows backlash from users, creators and industry groups who argued that the feature relied on an opt-out system rather than obtaining explicit permission.
The swift reversal marks one of Meta's fastest product rollbacks in recent years and highlights the growing debate over how artificial intelligence should use publicly available online content.
What Is Muse Image AI?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4d25a0cec7b913239c04b31fc2b556002d84a7d9d10d6b73d9cee310b864285f" />
Muse Image is Meta's first image-generation model developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs. It allows users to create and edit images using text prompts, uploaded photos and sketches through Meta AI.
The technology also powers more than 30 AI effects for Instagram Stories and is integrated into Meta AI on WhatsApp, with plans to expand to other Meta platforms.
Every image generated by Muse Image includes Meta's Content Seal watermark, which is designed to remain attached even after editing or cropping.
The feature that sparked controversy allowed users to generate AI images by simply mentioning public Instagram accounts in their prompts. The AI would then use publicly available images from those accounts as visual references when creating new content.
Why Did It Face Backlash?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/b2682ad94e06ba2d67eb8a044283a61000cbeef555f34c3bd572fa5374954eec" />
The criticism centred on the fact that public Instagram accounts belonging to users aged 18 and above were automatically included in the feature by default.
Rather than asking users to opt in, Meta required those who did not want their public photos referenced by AI to manually disable the setting or make their accounts private.
Many users argued that publicly sharing photos does not automatically mean they should be available for AI-generated content. Others were concerned that Instagram users would not be notified if their images had been used as references for someone else's AI creations.
The feature also reignited broader discussions surrounding consent, digital likenesses and the ethical use of publicly available content by AI systems.
Entertainment Industry Raises Concerns
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c0d297576752950aadd859e6b4691268577744e2a7467352fad980b9b5e8dfeb" />
The backlash quickly spread throughout the entertainment industry.
Emmy-winning actress Hannah Einbinder, known for Hacks, criticised the feature after discovering it had been enabled automatically on her account and encouraged others to switch it off.
The criticism was echoed by SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and media professionals, which urged Instagram users to opt out and argued that anything other than a clear opt-in system was unacceptable.
The union warned that AI-generated digital replicas remain a growing concern and said users should have complete control over how their likenesses are used.
Meanwhile, talent agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) said names, images, voices and creative work should never be used by AI systems without clear, documented consent. The agency also called for stronger safeguards that would allow creators to monitor and restrict how their content is used.
After Meta removed the feature, both SAG-AFTRA and CAA welcomed the decision, describing it as the responsible course of action.
Meta Reverses Course
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/213810264761e54e1efc1f8e62afa74daa51b71dd369617f0e7b6dcf3a65b654" />
Muse Image was introduced alongside Muse Video as part of Meta's latest AI rollout. However, the controversial Instagram referencing function lasted only three days before being withdrawn.
In a statement, Meta said its goal had been to provide a useful creative tool while allowing users to control whether their public content could be referenced.
"Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in this way," the company said.
"We've heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it's no longer available."
Before removing the feature, Meta maintained that Muse Image had been launched with safety controls, including automatically excluding private accounts and users under 18. However, those safeguards failed to ease concerns over the default opt-out approach.
Privacy Debate Far From Over
The controversy surrounding Muse Image reflects the wider challenges facing AI companies as generative AI becomes increasingly sophisticated.
While AI tools continue to unlock new creative possibilities, they have also raised concerns over consent, copyright, digital identity and the use of people's images without permission.
Although Muse Image's broader image-generation capabilities remain available, Meta's decision to remove its Instagram referencing feature suggests that users expect stronger privacy protections and greater transparency over how their publicly shared content is used.
The incident also serves as another reminder that as AI technology evolves, balancing innovation with user trust and consent will remain one of the industry's biggest challenges.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Users and creators pushed back, and Meta took action. The Muse AI image feature is officially gone — at least for now.

d60d5e1b8d07cb95319c02ee26c98984d21c34776742a836552ec8efdaecfb73

Meta Removes Controversial Muse AI Image Feature Just Days After Launch Following Privacy Backlash

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England and Argentina are set to renew one of football's greatest rivalries when they meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, 15 July, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
For fans in Malaysia, the blockbuster clash will kick off at 3:00am (MYT) on Thursday, 16 July.
Ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, FIFA has confirmed that Argentina will wear their navy blue away kit after granting a special request from the reigning world champions&mdash;a decision that has already sparked plenty of discussion due to the jersey's historic significance against England.
Why The Blue Jersey Holds Special Meaning
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/37bb25fa0865a7c1523ca6cac002cd6656f01c519c73c744e283e3042d8fe7cb" />
Argentina's traditional home colours are their famous sky blue and white stripes. However, the team specifically requested permission to wear their dark blue away kit despite being able to use their home strip.
The decision is far from random.
The navy shirt has become closely associated with two of Argentina's most memorable World Cup victories over England.
The first came during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico, when Diego Maradona produced one of football's most iconic performances. Wearing the blue shirt, he scored the infamous "Hand of God" goal before following it up just minutes later with the breathtaking solo effort later voted the Greatest World Cup Goal of All Time, helping Argentina secure a 2-1 victory.
Twelve years later at the 1998 World Cup in France, Argentina once again wore their dark blue kit as they eliminated England in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. The match is also remembered for David Beckham's red card following an incident involving Diego Simeone.
In contrast, Argentina wore their traditional home strip during their World Cup defeats to England in 1966 and 2002.
Because of that history, many Argentine supporters regard the navy kit as something of a lucky charm whenever they face the Three Lions.
A Shirt That Almost Never Existed
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/417048da67ff8da78c532f7654c3d5711fe6f4ca59ffb3bbe1c260495098701a" />
Interestingly, the famous blue shirt worn in 1986 was never originally intended for the England match.
Following Argentina's victory over Uruguay in the previous round, players complained that their original jerseys became too heavy in the sweltering Mexican heat. With manufacturer Le Coq Sportif unable to produce a replacement in time, team officials searched local markets in Mexico City for alternative shirts.
Two different blue designs were eventually brought back to the squad before Maradona personally chose the darker version.
The shirts had no badges or numbers, so staff manually stitched on the national crest from older jerseys and ironed on each number individually.
Those hastily assembled kits would later become some of the most iconic shirts in football history.
FIFA Approves Argentina's Request
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/740c5c965d46ec174dd1ee2c1cb4bd295745b40dca21131421ae7cdcededd6b1" />
According to reports from Argentina, Lionel Scaloni's side formally requested permission from FIFA to wear the navy away kit for the semi-final, with the governing body approving the change.
Argentina have only worn the kit once during this year's World Cup, defeating Jordan 3-1 in the group stage.
England, meanwhile, will wear their traditional all-white home kit, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is expected to play in yellow. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Mart&iacute;nez is set to wear a green and blue goalkeeper strip.
England Chasing History, Argentina Defending Their Crown
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9d440e4ff2c1cb914724dd601f926cf379e31521293271301c0c507ac44de14a" />
The semi-final marks the first competitive meeting between England and Argentina since the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when David Beckham's penalty secured a 1-0 victory for England.
The two nations last faced each other in an international friendly in 2005.
England are hoping to reach only their second-ever World Cup final and end a 60-year wait for another world title, while Argentina are aiming to defend the trophy they lifted in Qatar and become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back FIFA World Cups.
The winners will advance to the final to face either France or Spain.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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History, superstition, or strategy? Argentina’s iconic blue kit returns as they look to repeat past glory against England.

92c6ec706a3f38ac85cdb67413e8513336819ad39161a2b4b414d37ad8270dd0

Argentina To Wear Iconic Blue Away Kit Against England After FIFA Approves Special Request

Penang has found itself in the Hollywood spotlight after international stars Mark Wahlberg and Riz Ahmed were spotted filming scenes for Netflix's upcoming crime thriller The Big Fix across several locations in the state.
The production has transformed parts of George Town into a busy film set, with roads temporarily closed and crews taking over heritage landmarks and city streets. While the film was originally announced as being based primarily in Sydney, Australia, Penang has now emerged as a key international filming location, further cementing Malaysia's growing reputation as a destination for major global productions.
Hollywood Comes To Penang
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/dca3021b740bab278e1b24f9b8e1c2f7e511866503bf243407989227a121200e" />
Filming officially began on 10 July 2026 and is expected to continue for around two weeks, according to Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
The production has been spotted at several locations around the island, including:
<ul>
<li>Jawi Peranakan Mansion</li>
<li>Cheong Fatt Tze (Blue Mansion)</li>
<li>Lebuh Melayu, George Town</li>
<li>Lorong Kulit</li>
<li>City Stadium</li>
<li>Batu Kawan Stadium</li>
<li>Macallum Field</li>
</ul>
Local production support is being handled by Biscuit Films, the Malaysian company previously involved in bringing major international productions, including Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts, to the country.
The production has also received support through Malaysia's Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) programme, highlighting the country's continued efforts to attract international filmmakers.
Mark Wahlberg And Riz Ahmed Spotted On Set
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/bb412d8466d36180a0ea8c7134c6918f8cc06cd2b579c82bd33e8c0de66b57ce" />Image via Hype Malaysia
Both Mark Wahlberg and Academy Award-winning actor Riz Ahmed have been seen filming in George Town, with director Baltasar Korm&aacute;kur also overseeing production.
Videos of Wahlberg filming quickly spread across social media over the weekend, particularly one showing the Hollywood star standing beside a silver Perodua Kelisa while surrounded by production vehicles and crew members.
The unexpected pairing of one of Hollywood's biggest action stars with one of Malaysia's most iconic compact cars immediately caught the attention of Malaysians online, with many joking that the Kelisa had become a movie star in its own right.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dar8oApRm_J/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">
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Beyond the film set, Wahlberg also shared part of his Malaysian visit on Instagram after meeting Rev Fr Michael Raymond from the Church of Divine Mercy, posting a heartfelt message wishing followers a blessed Sunday from Malaysia.
National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) chairman Datuk Hans Isaac also confirmed he had visited the set and met the actor during filming.
What Is The Big Fix About?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/df1c33fc4b8fb51bf677bb390cc199145bf8b229f0eb92c33858ee0be954bc87" />
Directed by Baltasar Korm&aacute;kur (Everest, Apex), The Big Fix is a Netflix crime thriller inspired by true events.
The story follows a former Interpol officer working within FIFA who uncovers a vast international football match-fixing syndicate. What begins as a routine investigation soon develops into a dangerous global pursuit involving organised crime, corruption and high-stakes manipulation of the world's most popular sport.
The screenplay is written by Guy Bolton and Justin Haythe, with the film drawing inspiration from Brett Forrest's investigative work into international football match-fixing.
Given the story's strong links to Southeast Asia, Penang's inclusion as a filming location is seen as a natural fit, offering authentic regional settings rather than relying entirely on studio recreations.
An International Cast
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/0c3266b94b84d1dd8e51c9a5462918c332a89985ab20830397558e51a197805c" /> Chin Han, Natalie Dormer (Top); Zlatko Burić and Nuha Jes Izman (Bottom)
Wahlberg stars as a character inspired by Chris Eaton, the former Interpol officer who led FIFA's investigations into global match-fixing operations.
Riz Ahmed portrays a character based on Raj Perumal, one of football's most notorious match-fixers, whose criminal network reportedly stretched across multiple countries.
The film also features an international supporting cast, including:
<ul>
<li>Singaporean actor Chin Han</li>
<li>Natalie Dormer</li>
<li>Zlatko Burić</li>
<li>Gabriel Leone</li>
<li>Susan Lynch</li>
<li>Vipin Sharma</li>
<li>Malaysian actress Nuha Jes Izman</li>
<li>Bobo Le</li>
<li>Paul G. Raymond</li>
<li>Rameez Ahmed</li>
</ul>
Chin Han is expected to portray Dan Tan, another key figure linked to the international match-fixing syndicate featured in the story.
When Will It Be Released?
Principal photography for The Big Fix began in Sydney in April before moving to Malaysia for its latest filming schedule.
Netflix has yet to announce an official release date, although the current production timeline suggests the film is likely to premiere sometime in 2027.
With globally recognised stars, an acclaimed director and filming taking place across Penang's historic streets and landmarks, The Big Fix is set to become another major international production showcasing Malaysia on the world stage.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Penang just became a Hollywood film set. Mark Wahlberg and Riz Ahmed are in town filming Netflix's The Big Fix.

145be716541f05b4a10c913e97d6cc05e0ee040aad7447ab3fe04e6cfdcf98c2

Mark Wahlberg & Riz Ahmed Spotted Filming Netflix Thriller ‘The Big Fix’ In Penang

Malaysian K-Pop fans, get ready &mdash; rookie girl group izna (이즈나) is officially heading to Kuala Lumpur for the first time this December!
The group has announced their first-ever concert tour, &ldquo;WHO DAT GIRL?&rdquo;, which will see them travel across Asia for a series of performances. The tour will begin in Seoul this September before making stops in cities including Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
The Kuala Lumpur stop will take place on 5 December 2026 (Saturday) at Zepp Kuala Lumpur, marking izna&rsquo;s first performance in Malaysia since their debut in 2024.
Fans can look forward to seeing the members showcase their energetic performances, impressive choreography and hit tracks, including popular songs such as &ldquo;SIGN&rdquo; and &ldquo;Mamma Mia&rdquo;.
Who Is izna?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/20e84829d9ce7a20061b62957a9a1a05b519593206a9833bc10176cc5fe9542a" />
izna is a seven-member South Korean girl group formed through the survival reality show &ldquo;I-LAND 2: N/a&rdquo;, a collaboration between WAKEONE and Mnet. The group officially debuted in November 2024 with their first mini album &ldquo;N/a&rdquo;.
The group consists of members Mai, Jeemin, Koko, Sarang, Jungeun and Saebi, who were selected through the competition programme that gained attention from K-Pop fans worldwide.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d3mqW9wqqx0" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
izna quickly made an impression with their debut track &ldquo;IZNA&rdquo;, showcasing a confident and powerful sound that highlighted the members&rsquo; vocal abilities and stage presence. Their follow-up releases, including &ldquo;SIGN&rdquo; and &ldquo;Mamma Mia&rdquo;, helped strengthen their growing popularity among global K-Pop audiences.
Despite being a relatively new group, izna has already achieved recognition within the industry. They received attention at major award events following their debut, including winning the Rookie of the Year award at the 2025 Asia Star Entertainer Awards.
With their unique identity, strong performances and growing international fanbase, izna is quickly establishing themselves as one of K-Pop&rsquo;s promising new-generation girl groups.
izna Announces First &ldquo;WHO DAT GIRL?&rdquo; World Tour
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6657f40d13072d10dc1f1dd0dfe1b1af38eb57a82e565ae60e927ffe9b4a23e0" />
The &ldquo;WHO DAT GIRL?&rdquo; tour marks an important milestone for izna as their first concert tour since debuting.
The tour will allow fans across Asia to experience the group&rsquo;s signature performances live, featuring tracks from their growing discography alongside special stages prepared specifically for the tour.
The confirmed tour stops include:
<ul>
<li>Seoul, South Korea</li>
<li>Taipei, Taiwan</li>
<li>Hong Kong</li>
<li>Singapore</li>
<li>Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia</li>
</ul>
As this will be izna&rsquo;s first time performing in Malaysia, fans can expect a memorable show filled with high-energy performances, fan interactions and stages featuring some of their biggest songs so far.
izna &ldquo;WHO DAT GIRL?&rdquo; Concert Tour In Kuala Lumpur
&nbsp;<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://r2.myc.my/ac6809353213d1288d6d07356dddf24c063ed5c03ca8ae702155be8705ca1ede" />
Details for izna&rsquo;s Kuala Lumpur show are as follows:
📅 Date: 5 December 2026 (Saturday) 📍 Venue: Zepp Kuala Lumpur ⏰ Time: To be announced 🎟️ Ticket Prices: To be announced 🎫 Ticket Sales: To be announced 🎤 Organiser: To be announced
More information, including ticketing details and seating arrangements, is expected to be revealed soon.
Listen To izna On Spotify
While waiting for izna&rsquo;s first Malaysian show, fans can stream their latest music, including their third EP &ldquo;Set The Tempo&rdquo; and its title track &ldquo;Metronome&rdquo;.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NQRGAh7ukh8" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Get familiar with their songs now before they bring their performances live on stage in Kuala Lumpur this December!
<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/artist/6EB5QC7lGAu7bSuWQ416d4?utm_source=generator&amp;si=03967e07eb0b40ff" width="100%" height="352" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe>
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for more updates.

Get ready to say "WHO DAT GIRL?" because izna is finally heading to KL!

3afea75b8ae41621bc7941e258d15886764861931d560483e9d11f3c3a1f8444

K-Pop Girl Group izna To Perform In Kuala Lumpur For The First Time This December

Apple has filed a major lawsuit against OpenAI and two former Apple employees, accusing them of misappropriating confidential trade secrets to accelerate the development of OpenAI&rsquo;s consumer hardware ambitions.
The case, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two companies, which were once close partners through ChatGPT&rsquo;s integration into Apple Intelligence and Siri. Apple is seeking damages, a jury trial, and court orders requiring OpenAI to stop using any allegedly misappropriated information and destroy any confidential Apple materials in its possession.
It is important to note that these are allegations made in a civil lawsuit. None of the defendants have been found liable, and the claims have yet to be tested in court.
Malaysian-born former Apple executive among those named
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/e55e8f5b3d0fe0e24c817a1f8225c5c6aced64668a05f1675ab615a5d7e21e39" />
One of the individuals at the centre of the lawsuit is Tang Yew Tan, a Malaysian-born engineer who spent 24 years at Apple before becoming OpenAI&rsquo;s Chief Hardware Officer.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Tan studied Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London before earning a master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He joined Apple as a fresh graduate and went on to become one of the company's most senior hardware executives, overseeing the development of products including the iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods.
After leaving Apple in 2024, Tan co-founded hardware start-up io Products alongside former Apple design chief Jony Ive and other Apple veterans. OpenAI later acquired the company in a deal reportedly worth US$6.5 billion, bringing Tan into the AI company as its hardware chief.
Apple claims Tan played a key role in recruiting former Apple engineers to OpenAI as the company expanded its hardware division to develop next-generation AI devices.
What Apple is alleging
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6750db104a926b82543392f7e6fb04bcd7b5560bb69669a5f3dca01a582a1224" />
In its 41-page complaint, Apple alleges there was a coordinated effort involving OpenAI and former Apple employees to obtain confidential information relating to unreleased products, manufacturing processes, engineering designs and supplier relationships.
Among the allegations against Tan, Apple claims he emailed confidential supplier information and internal industry summaries to his personal email before leaving the company. Apple also alleges he encouraged Apple employees interviewing at OpenAI to bring physical hardware components, including batteries, circuit boards, system-in-package chips and other unreleased parts, for "show and tell" sessions during interviews.
The lawsuit further alleges Tan used confidential Apple project codenames to question candidates about unreleased products and distributed guidance advising departing Apple employees on how to avoid triggering Apple's internal security procedures while retaining access to confidential information for as long as possible.
Apple also claims OpenAI later approached some of its manufacturing partners using insider knowledge, including allegedly requesting a supplier to replicate Apple's proprietary metal-finishing process by suggesting the work had Apple's approval.
Separate allegations against another former Apple engineer
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/f9b3c8ce5514af033784e1c6aed85c36e83984a8dd76a2d7fd068d98d47399c0" />
The lawsuit also names former Apple senior systems electrical engineer Chang Liu, who joined OpenAI earlier this year.
Apple alleges Liu failed to return his company-issued MacBook after resigning and discovered an authentication vulnerability that allowed him to continue accessing Apple's internal systems despite no longer being employed by the company.
According to the complaint, Liu allegedly used this access to download dozens of confidential files containing engineering presentations, hardware designs, manufacturing information, technical specifications and testing procedures while already working for OpenAI.
Apple also alleges Liu recruited other Apple employees and advised them on which confidential materials to review before OpenAI interviews, as well as methods of copying files that would avoid Apple's internal detection systems.
The lawsuit references messages allegedly exchanged between Liu and a former Apple colleague, including one in which Liu reportedly wrote that he had discovered he could still access Apple's internal network storage after leaving the company.
From partners to rivals
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/6b57db1d8879b06a5674644428cc404fb84b9e69a395d27108ec045449da2732" />
The lawsuit highlights how the relationship between Apple and OpenAI has rapidly deteriorated over the past two years.
The companies announced a high-profile partnership in 2024 that integrated ChatGPT into Siri and Apple Intelligence. However, OpenAI's aggressive recruitment of Apple engineers, coupled with its push into consumer hardware following the acquisition of io Products, reportedly strained that relationship.
Apple claims it became increasingly concerned that confidential information was making its way into OpenAI's hardware division. According to the complaint, Apple sent a formal letter to OpenAI in February 2026 outlining its concerns and requesting an investigation, but alleges it never received a response.
The dispute intensified further after Apple reportedly replaced ChatGPT with Google's Gemini for its revamped Siri experience and OpenAI continued recruiting senior Apple executives, including the head of Apple's smart glasses programme.
Apple says more than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI. While it acknowledges that employees are free to change employers, it argues that doing so does not entitle competitors to benefit from Apple's confidential information or trade secrets.
OpenAI denies wrongdoing
OpenAI has rejected Apple's accusations, saying it has no interest in using competitors' trade secrets.
"We have no interest in other companies' trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere," the company said in a statement.
Neither Tang Yew Tan nor Chang Liu has publicly responded to the allegations at the time of writing.
As both Apple and OpenAI race to develop the next generation of AI-powered consumer devices that could eventually move beyond smartphones, the case is expected to become one of the technology industry's most closely watched legal battles. The outcome could have significant implications for how companies recruit talent, protect trade secrets and compete in the rapidly evolving AI hardware market.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Apple claims OpenAI went further than simply hiring former employees.

9e69a043d8eeebd6cc090c72bb8783b45127241f17ebe21f45596643b9c2b410

Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Trade Secret Misuse Involving Malaysian-Born Former Apple Executive

Former Youth and Sports Minister and Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has been fully acquitted after the Federal Court dismissed the prosecution's final appeal against his earlier acquittal on four criminal charges.
The ruling brings an end to a legal battle that spanned six years, with the apex court deciding in a 2-1 majority that there was no basis to overturn the Court of Appeal's decision, which had cleared Syed Saddiq in 2025.
The decision means the 33-year-old remains free from all charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT), dishonest misappropriation of property and money laundering linked to funds belonging to Bersatu Youth (ARMADA).
Earlier in the day, Syed Saddiq arrived at the Palace of Justice accompanied by his family, fianc&eacute;e Bella Astillah, Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh and former Education Minister Datuk Dr Maszlee Malik.
Federal Court Delivers Split 2-1 Decision
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c44572b84ca4d28ec9dd5d1a660fc4b43f260d8a9b1dee784699aa5b0b962e30" />
The three-member Federal Court bench consisted of Court of Appeal President Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais, alongside Federal Court judges Datuk Che Mohd Ruzima Ghazali and Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah.
Judges Che Mohd Ruzima and Sequerah formed the majority in dismissing the prosecution's appeal and upholding the Court of Appeal's earlier acquittal, while Abu Bakar delivered a dissenting judgment on three of the four charges.
All three judges unanimously agreed that the prosecution failed to prove the charge of abetting criminal breach of trust involving RM1 million from Bersatu Youth funds.
The majority also ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish the necessary legal elements to prove Syed Saddiq had dishonestly misappropriated RM120,000 from Armada Bumi Bersatu Enterprise (ABBE), a company established to generate income for Bersatu Youth through merchandise sales.
As a result, the two money laundering charges, which were based on the alleged misappropriation offence, also could not be sustained.
Judge Sequerah agreed with the Court of Appeal's earlier finding that there was insufficient evidence to show the RM120,000 belonged to ABBE or another party, while Judge Ruzima concurred with the same conclusion.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Muar MP Syed Saddiq Rahman performed a sujud syukur (prostration of gratitude) after being acquitted of corruption charges in the lobby of the Putrajaya court. This gesture is an Islamic expression of deep thankfulness to God, often done after relief from hardship. Vid:Public <a href="https://t.co/WRTU9Pf8dM">pic.twitter.com/WRTU9Pf8dM</a>
&mdash; Kuala Lumpur Reporter 🇲🇾 (@KL_Reporter) <a href="https://x.com/KL_Reporter/status/2076517061585686916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2026</a></blockquote>

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One Judge Dissented On Three Charges
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/3c4df5b99ce3003ec512ae37443701b16efa6320fd901f991a8751399e430ce9" />
Although the appeal was dismissed, Court of Appeal President Abu Bakar Jais disagreed with the majority on the RM120,000 misappropriation charge and the two related money laundering charges.
He held that the fundraising proceeds belonged to the donors rather than Syed Saddiq personally, finding that the prosecution had proven the element of dishonest misappropriation because contributors were never informed that the money would be transferred into his personal account.
Abu Bakar said there was no need for the funds to pass through another account before eventually being deposited into Syed Saddiq's personal bank account.
Under his dissenting judgment, Syed Saddiq would have been sentenced to six months' imprisonment, one stroke of the rotan and financial penalties on the money laundering charges.
However, as it formed part of the minority opinion, the judgment carries no legal effect.
Case Dates Back To 2021 Charges
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/52f4d4fd66ec46df2da6617e37f5a2103850daa9713f840420c7e9e82d716348" />
Syed Saddiq was first charged in 2021 over several offences linked to funds belonging to Bersatu Youth.
The first charge accused him of abetting former ARMADA assistant treasurer Rafiq Hakim Razali in committing criminal breach of trust involving RM1 million withdrawn from Bersatu Youth's account in March 2020.
He also faced a charge of dishonestly misappropriating RM120,000 from ABBE by causing the money to be transferred into his personal bank account.
In addition, he was charged with two counts of money laundering involving RM50,000 each after transferring the funds into his Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) account.
In November 2023, the Kuala Lumpur High Court found him guilty on all charges and sentenced him to seven years' imprisonment, two strokes of the rotan and a RM10 million fine.
However, the Court of Appeal overturned both the convictions and sentence in June 2025, ruling that the convictions were unsafe after finding that the prosecution had failed to prove the essential ingredients of the offences.
The prosecution subsequently brought the matter to the Federal Court in a final appeal, which has now been dismissed.
Defence Welcomes Verdict As Justice Prevails
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/77c57578b73d6fa237a6f6b2fce51010c220abb3da1ab1583096ad7704e7531a" />
Following the ruling, lead defence counsel Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik described the decision as confirmation that justice had ultimately prevailed after years of legal proceedings.
He said the Federal Court carefully examined the evidence before concluding there was insufficient basis to uphold the convictions.
Hisyam also thanked the wider legal team, including Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Gobind Singh Deo and Datuk Yusuf Zainal Abiden, for their contributions throughout the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court proceedings.
Ambiga described the ruling as deeply relieving after six years of litigation, saying the defence team believed justice had finally been served.
Syed Saddiq Thanks Family And Looks Ahead
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Alhamdulillah. Hari ini, mahkamah tertinggi negara telah membuat keputusan. Pembebasan saya kekal. Tetapi hari ini bukan sekadar tentang kebebasan saya. Ini tentang satu prinsip bahawa kebenaran mesti dipertahankan, walaupun harga yang perlu dibayar sangat mahal. Lebih enam&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/j0vK8pP1kD">pic.twitter.com/j0vK8pP1kD</a>
&mdash; Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) <a href="https://x.com/SyedSaddiq/status/2076552305902760200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2026</a></blockquote>

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Speaking to reporters after the verdict, an emotional Syed Saddiq thanked his legal team, supporters, family members and the judges who heard his case throughout the years.
He said the lengthy legal process had strengthened rather than weakened his confidence in Malaysia's judiciary.
"I bear no grudges whatsoever," he said, adding that justice should always be decided through the courts regardless of political differences.
Reflecting on the difficult journey, he urged Malaysians never to compromise their integrity or principles, even during the toughest moments.
He also thanked his fianc&eacute;e, actress and singer Bella Astillah, acknowledging that it had not been easy standing by him after he was initially convicted by the High Court.
Syed Saddiq hinted that the couple may soon move forward with their wedding plans but said he preferred not to discuss personal matters at the courthouse out of respect for the judicial process.
On his political future, he said he intends to spend time with his family before making any announcements, but stressed that his commitment to serving the country remains unchanged.
"The fire to help rebuild Malaysia will never, ever be extinguished," he said.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Justice served. The Federal Court has upheld Syed Saddiq's acquittal, bringing his six-year legal battle to an end.

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