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Apple Refuses FBI Request to Unlock San Bernardino Shooters Phone

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook refused a court order that would have allowed the FBI to “unlock” the iPhone belonging to the San Berdardino, California, shooter. This sets up an “Us vs Them” theme pitting law enforcement and the FBI against the sanctity of information belonging to the average Joe.

CEO Tim Cook stated on Apple’s website that the FBI was requesting a new version of Apple’s software with a “backdoor” that would allow law enforcement access to private data. Cook calls this a frightening attack on civil liberties and privacy that would allow the government to turn on microphones and listen to calls or nearby conversations, intercept messages, emails, track your location, and even turn on your camera without your knowledge.

Companies like Apple and Google have long resisted requests for access to private information, while law enforcement insists that they need access to help fight terrorists, such as the San Bernardino shooter who left 14 dead in a terror attack in California, and other criminals.

Apple’s refusal is already turning into fuel for the political fires. Presidential hopeful Donald Trump told Fox News that he agreed with the courts and that Apple had no right to refuse. “Who do they think they are? They have to open it up”, The Donald was quoted as saying.

The FBI has yet to be able to unlock the iPhone owned by Syed Farook. A U.S. Magistrate judge ordered Apple to offer “reasonable technical assistance” to help unlock the phone. The FBI says they are not asking for someone to hack the phone, merely that Apple allow the FBI “unlimited” attempts to try various passwords until they find the correct one. Currently, only 10 password tries are allowed before the phone deletes all data.

With Apple’s refusal, both parties could now appeal to a district court judge. The Justice Department has not stated just how far they are willing to push the issue and whether or not they are willing to file contempt of court orders.

Cook feels that changing their software to allow law enforcement to try multiple passwords would be the same as offering them a “master key”, which would allow them access to all  iPhones, as well as allowing expert hackers gain access to encrypted information. Cook states that they have assisted the FBI by providing them with all the data they had in their possession as well as offering investigators tips and ideas for discovering the password.

 

 

Source: Bloomberg

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Apple’s CEO Tim Cook refused a court order that would have allowed the FBI to “unlock” the iPhone belonging to the San Berdardino, California, shooter. This sets up an “Us vs Them” theme pitting law enforcement and the FBI against the sanctity of information belonging to the average Joe.

CEO Tim Cook stated on Apple’s website that the FBI was requesting a new version of Apple’s software with a “backdoor” that would allow law enforcement access to private data. Cook calls this a frightening attack on civil liberties and privacy that would allow the government to turn on microphones and listen to calls or nearby conversations, intercept messages, emails, track your location, and even turn on your camera without your knowledge.

Companies like Apple and Google have long resisted requests for access to private information, while law enforcement insists that they need access to help fight terrorists, such as the San Bernardino shooter who left 14 dead in a terror attack in California, and other criminals.

History

Apple’s refusal is already turning into fuel for the political fires. Presidential hopeful Donald Trump told Fox News that he agreed with the courts and that Apple had no right to refuse. “Who do they think they are? They have to open it up”, The Donald was quoted as saying.

The FBI has yet to be able to unlock the iPhone owned by Syed Farook. A U.S. Magistrate judge ordered Apple to offer “reasonable technical assistance” to help unlock the phone. The FBI says they are not asking for someone to hack the phone, merely that Apple allow the FBI “unlimited” attempts to try various passwords until they find the correct one. Currently, only 10 password tries are allowed before the phone deletes all data.

With Apple’s refusal, both parties could now appeal to a district court judge. The Justice Department has not stated just how far they are willing to push the issue and whether or not they are willing to file contempt of court orders.

Cook feels that changing their software to allow law enforcement to try multiple passwords would be the same as offering them a “master key”, which would allow them access to all  iPhones, as well as allowing expert hackers gain access to encrypted information. Cook states that they have assisted the FBI by providing them with all the data they had in their possession as well as offering investigators tips and ideas for discovering the password.

 

 

Source: Bloomberg

Google Kicks Apple Off the Top Spot as Most Valuable Company

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has finally kicked Apple  off their throne as the World’s Most Valuable Company. This came after Google posted stunning growth in the last quarter, mostly fueled by digital advertising.

Alphabet is a spin off from Google business and in its first ever business report, the company posted a profit of $4.9 billion. This is up from the $4.7 billion it listed as profit before the spin off.  This report sent Wall Street into a frenzy, boosting the company’s stock price and giving it an approximate overall worth of $570 billion, which is more than Apple’s current worth of $535 billion.

Even though Apple announced record quarter sales just last week, the company is facing a rocky road in 2016. Smart phone sales have stalled while advertising via mobile phones is hotter and more profitable than ever. Google is still the preferred search engine and that engine appears to have unlimited potential, which is driving company profits through the roof.

Google’s hiring of a new Chief Financial Officer, Ruth Porat, a former Wall Street executive with a great deal of experience, has helped to bring financial discipline to the company. This, in combination with growth and transparency, has allowed the company to find its own magic potion that continues to bring new customers, especially in the area of click marketing.

Apple had disappointing sales with their iPhone 6s, which has some questioning if Apple has reached its pinnacle. There are plans to release a completely new iPhone later this year, so this news does not necessarily mean that Apple is out of the race but that this giant might have simply stumbled a bit right out of the 2016 gate.

At its core, Google has always been an advertising and search engine company but their latest forays into self-driving cars, fighting cancer, and Internet beaming drones has made this company one of great interest to the public. For investors, the thought that Alphabet might spin off some of these endeavors in to even more profitable companies, these ideas are like ringing the bell for Pavlov’s dogs. They see the potential for huge profits and are willing to part with their hard earned cash in hopes of, one day soon, cashing in.

This is a huge mile marker for Alphabet and Google as many in the industry thought Apple the unbeatable business model. Apple now needs to become a “prove it” company to Wall Street in order to regain their title and throne.

 

 

Source: ABC News 

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Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has finally kicked Apple  off their throne as the World’s Most Valuable Company. This came after Google posted stunning growth in the last quarter, mostly fueled by digital advertising.

Alphabet is a spin off from Google business and in its first ever business report, the company posted a profit of $4.9 billion. This is up from the $4.7 billion it listed as profit before the spin off.  This report sent Wall Street into a frenzy, boosting the company’s stock price and giving it an approximate overall worth of $570 billion, which is more than Apple’s current worth of $535 billion.

Even though Apple announced record quarter sales just last week, the company is facing a rocky road in 2016. Smart phone sales have stalled while advertising via mobile phones is hotter and more profitable than ever. Google is still the preferred search engine and that engine appears to have unlimited potential, which is driving company profits through the roof.

History

Google’s hiring of a new Chief Financial Officer, Ruth Porat, a former Wall Street executive with a great deal of experience, has helped to bring financial discipline to the company. This, in combination with growth and transparency, has allowed the company to find its own magic potion that continues to bring new customers, especially in the area of click marketing.

Apple had disappointing sales with their iPhone 6s, which has some questioning if Apple has reached its pinnacle. There are plans to release a completely new iPhone later this year, so this news does not necessarily mean that Apple is out of the race but that this giant might have simply stumbled a bit right out of the 2016 gate.

At its core, Google has always been an advertising and search engine company but their latest forays into self-driving cars, fighting cancer, and Internet beaming drones has made this company one of great interest to the public. For investors, the thought that Alphabet might spin off some of these endeavors in to even more profitable companies, these ideas are like ringing the bell for Pavlov’s dogs. They see the potential for huge profits and are willing to part with their hard earned cash in hopes of, one day soon, cashing in.

This is a huge mile marker for Alphabet and Google as many in the industry thought Apple the unbeatable business model. Apple now needs to become a “prove it” company to Wall Street in order to regain their title and throne.

 

 

Source: ABC News