Apple has broadened its investigation into OpenAI amid concerns that additional former employees might have retained or accessed confidential information. The tech giant is scrutinizing the possibility of further breaches involving trade secrets, according to TechCrunch.

This development highlights ongoing tensions between major technology firms over intellectual property and data security. Apple’s probe now includes a wider circle of ex-staff suspected of unauthorized handling of sensitive material.

For Japanese investors and markets, this case underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity and data protection within the tech sector, especially as AI technologies continue to evolve rapidly and cross-border collaborations increase.