Big Tech behind Apple on opposition of FBI orders
Apple have been asked ( ordered) by the FBI to create a backdoor into an iPhone owned by one of the San Bernadino shooters, and, controversially, they have refused. (See CEO Tim Cook’s open letter to customers regarding this here).
Yesterday, both Facebook and Twitter raised their strong tech voice to stand alongside Apple.
The order the FBI made specifically requires that Apple creates a version of iOS that would let it crack the passcode on the iPhone 5c used by San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook.
Specifically, these are the orders.
1. Eliminate the auto-erase function that wipes an iPhone if the wrong passcode is entered 10 times.
2. Eliminate the delay that locks the FBI out of the iPhone if the wrong passcode is entered too many times in a row.
3. Implement a method that would allow the FBI to electronically enter a passcode using software.
Apple calls this a ‘dangerous precedent’. Others in the tech world agree.
From Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey:
We stand with @tim_cook and Apple (and thank him for his leadership)! https://t.co/XrnGC9seZ4
— Jack (@jack) February 18, 2016
Facebook shared its announcement through a statement with USA Today:
“We condemn terrorism and have total solidarity with victims of terror. Those who seek to praise, promote, or plan terrorist acts have no place on our services. We also appreciate the difficult and essential work of law enforcement to keep people safe,” the statement reads. “When we receive lawful requests from these authorities we comply. However, we will continue to fight aggressively against requirements for companies to weaken the security of their systems. These demands would create a chilling precedent and obstruct companies’ efforts to secure their products.”
Google CEO Sundar Pichai supports Apple, and in a statement has also called the FBI’s request a “troubling precedent”. WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum and several advocacy groups, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Fight for the Future, and the American Civil Liberties Union have also voiced their support.
Uncategorized | iPhone-Antidote | 
February 19, 2016 6:17 pm
Subscribe
