In a candid address at the Mobile World Congress, Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak served up a broad critique of current technology trends, focusing on the involvement of tech executives in politics, the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), and the subscription models adopted by major tech companies.
Wozniak, who played a pivotal role in launching the personal computing revolution, shared his views on tech leaders like Elon Musk entering government roles. He expressed concern about the differences between the skills necessary for politics and those required in technology.
Speaking at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Wozniak said, “I think that the skills required in politics are very different to those skills needed in technology companies.”
While he acknowledged that running a government like a business could be beneficial, he expressed scepticism regarding Musk’s approach in his role leading US President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The Apple co-founder contrasted leadership styles, explaining that effective business leaders seek consensus and collaboration. “When you run a business, you look for a consensus and a sharing,” he said.
He criticised Musk’s tendency to “wipe the slate clean and start fresh,” arguing that this method is not suitable for governance.
Wozniak’s comments come at a crucial time as the relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington evolves. The lines between the tech industry and government have become increasingly blurred, particularly during the Trump administration, with several tech leaders taking on formal and informal governmental roles.
Musk’s position in DOGE has granted him significant influence over federal operations, a shift from traditional lobbying practices that tech companies have typically employed.
On artificial intelligence
Wozniak expressed a cautious stance on AI, separating the technology’s potential from its limitations. He said, “I trust the I, but not the A,” indicating confidence in human intelligence while remaining wary of artificial systems. He acknowledged that while AI can offer valuable insights, it lacks emotional understanding and can be misused, particularly in spreading misinformation. “AI can trick you into things,” he said, warning against blind trust in AI outputs.
Also read: Sergey Brin urges Google’s Gemini AI team to work 60-hour weeks in race for AGI
Wozniak also reflected on the shift towards subscription models in the tech industry, expressing nostalgia for a time when ownership was clearer. He reminisced, “When Apple started, it was you who would set up your computer and it was all of your own work.”
He criticised the current trend where users must continually subscribe to services without truly owning their products, stating that major tech companies have become “very big and they own our lives.” He pointed out the challenges of relying on cloud services, which require users to trust companies with their creations.
As the tech industry continues to grow in influence across various sectors, Wozniak’s perspective serves as a critical viewpoint from someone who has experienced the evolution of personal computing. His comments stress the need to carefully consider the boundaries between technology, business, and government power. This discussion will likely gain momentum as digital platforms become increasingly integral to economic and political frameworks worldwide.
Also read: AI in governance will be India’s biggest use case: Rajeev Chandrasekhar
