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
xApple’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