In the last six weeks or so, Apple has been in a legal war with the FBI. It started with the FBI’s request for Apple to unlock an iPhone. It’s not just any iPhone, but the iPhone of a San Bernadino shooter. Apple declined. Now here the words from Apple CEO Tim Cook himself.
Tim Cook recalls when the shooting first happened. Cook understands the other phones were used by the shooters were destroyed, except this one. Apple filled the warrant for that phone’s info. A month later, the FBI asked for more information. Apple advised them to recharge it let it back up. It didn’t work. Apple sent engineers to help law enforcement reset the iCloud password. That didn’t work. That’s when Apple was asked to open the phone, and they refused. Cook talked about civil liberties, the First Amendment and the right to privacy. He mentioned the hat the government is using to insist Apple open the phone. Cook fears it could force millions into actions that would make them venerable. Cook believes the FBI picked this case because they are confident they can win it. Cook said nobody should have a key to turn a billion locks. I can’t report on everything said in this interview. You can read it for yourself in this upcoming week’s issue of Time Magazine.
It’s good to finally here from the CEO about this matter that has the nation’s ear. From Cook’s point of view, Apple did help the FBI. Many in the media want you to believe Apple isn’t cooperating at all. But that’s not the case. Not many probably have heard of the All Wrists Act before this case. This is why knowledge is power. What knowledge you have can’t be taken away. But Cook is right. If they can do this to Apple, one of the biggest, most respected businesses in the world today, then what privacy hopes do we have? Wouldn’t you love to hear the FBI’s side on this debate?