RIYADH: Apple remains committed to protecting the data and privacy of its users, according to a senior executive speaking at the third Global AI Summit in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Gary Davis, global senior director of privacy and regulatory matters, said: “Apple’s privacy commitments are built into our products and features by design because at Apple, we believe that privacy is a human right.”

“That’s why Apple has, for many years, supported the introduction of data privacy laws globally. And that is why we support the introduction of your personal data protection law here in Saudi Arabia.”

Davis said the company’s approach will remain the same even as it integrates artificial intelligence into its products.

“Apple's approach to emerging technologies, like AI, is no different,” he said. “As we deeply integrate Apple Intelligence into iOS, iPadOS and macOS, we will not veer from our whole commitment to user privacy.”

Davis said the use of AI must encompass respect for human values. “It’s not only a possibility, it’s a responsibility,” he said. “We’ve been guided by our belief that great artificial intelligence and great privacy standards are not mutually exclusive, but rather mutually reinforcing.”

He added that Apple operates from four basic principles: collecting as little data as possible; device owners have the rights to their data; users will have the final say in data collection; and there is no privacy without security.

“Time and again, we’ve introduced many exciting cutting-edge features that are built from the bottom up to protect user privacy,” he said, citing the firm’s browser, Safari, its cloud storage and Apple Intelligence as examples.

“Safari blocks third-party cookies by default and has undertaken many new innovations to continue to ensure that, as you use it, you remain completely in control of your data,” he said.

“Apple Intelligence is built from your experiences across your device. That includes your photos, your messages, your files, and calendar events. So that it can provide you, and only you, with information and assistance based on what matters to you.”

He said that even if some companies say they will not misuse people’s data, the users have no way of checking or verifying if this is true.

“Our basic principle is that no one, not even Apple, perhaps even especially Apple, should have visibility into your requests, even if your data is leaving your device and going to a cloud.

“To mitigate entire classes of privacy risk, we omitted persistent data storage, we replaced the tools normally used to manage servers, and we took steps to prevent privileged access.

“The result is an unprecedented cloud security foundation based on Apple Silicon. With Private Cloud Compute, user data is never available to Apple. It’s never stored,” he said.

• This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan

RIYADH: Saudi oil giant Aramco has unveiled new agreements with its Chinese partners, Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. and Hengli Group Co., during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to the Kingdom.

According to a press release, these agreements underscore Aramco’s ongoing dedication to bolstering China’s long-term energy security and development while enhancing its strategic relationship with key regional partners.

The agreements include preliminary documentation for a development framework agreement with Rongsheng and a strategic cooperation agreement with Hengli Group. These collaborations occur as Saudi Arabia and China deepen their engagement in the energy and petrochemical sectors, reinforcing Aramco’s role in advancing mutual objectives in these critical industries.

The development framework agreement with Rongsheng involves the potential joint expansion of the Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Co. facilities. This follows an announcement in April 2024, when Aramco and Rongsheng signed a cooperation framework agreement that set the stage for a joint venture in SASREF and significant investments in the Saudi and Chinese petrochemical sectors.

The joint venture contemplates Rongsheng acquiring a 50 percent stake in SASREF, while Aramco would potentially acquire a 50 percent stake in Rongsheng’s affiliate, Ningbo Zhongjin Petrochemical Co. Additionally, the agreement includes participation in the expansion of ZJPC’s facilities and the development of a liquids-to-chemicals project at SASREF, representing a substantial enhancement in the petrochemical capabilities of both companies.

The strategic cooperation agreement advances discussions related to Aramco’s potential acquisition of a 10 percent stake in Hengli Petrochemical Co., contingent on due diligence and regulatory approvals.

This agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in April this year, which outlined the proposed transaction and set the foundation for further collaboration between Aramco and Hengli in the petrochemical sector.

Aramco’s Downstream President Mohammed Y. Al-Qahtani, emphasized the importance of these agreements, stating that they affirm the company’s belief in the long-term mutual benefits of close collaboration with Chinese partners.

“China is an important country in our global downstream growth strategy, and we look forward to building on a relationship that spans more than three decades to unlock new opportunities in this crucial market,” he said.

Al-Qahtani further said that these agreements reflect a shared intention to strengthen relationships in key sectors, advance Aramco’s downstream goals, and contribute to the vibrant energy and petrochemicals sectors in both China and Saudi Arabia.

These agreements are part of Aramco’s broader strategy to cement its position as a key player in the energy landscape while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic development. By fostering closer collaboration with Chinese partners and exploring innovative technological solutions, Aramco is positioning itself to meet the evolving energy needs of both nations.

The company’s relationship with China spans over three decades, and these latest agreements mark a continuation of this longstanding partnership, with a focus on future growth and innovation.