The conflict between the FBI and Apple intensifies over an iPhone. That iPhone was owned by San Bernadino shooter Syed Farook. Through a court order, the Feds want Apple to unlock the phone. Apple refuses. Many are takings sides, mostly on Apple. But the FBI gains an unlikely ally.
Microsoft founder and former CEO Bill Gates supports the FBI’s order to unlock Farook’s iPhone. In a Financial Times article, Gates said tech companies should cooperate with government agencies, by legal force if necessary. Gates believes the potential threats to privacy and civil liberties are overblown. He stated, “This is a specific case where the government is asking for access to information. They are not asking for some general thing, they are asking for a particular case.” Gates is about the only Silicon Valley leader siding with the FBI. Others, like Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey and Sundar Pichai all side with Apple. Apparently, the majority of Americans don’t share the same comrade Silicon Valley does. According to the latest survey, 51% of Americans side with the FBI. Only 38% side with Apple. The rest are undecided. But Apple CEO Tim Cook isn’t backing down. He sent a letter to employees explaining his vehement opposition to the FBI court order. He believes hundreds of millions of people’s data is on the line, and this case could set a dangerous trend for us all. But the FBI Director James Comey isn’t backing down either. ?He insists this isn’t about legal agendas, but about the victims and justice.
Bill Gates welcomes the debate and believes the debate needs to take place. And it is. Apple customers are expected to demonstrate on the company’s behalf carrying picket signs like, “Don’t break our iPhones.” So Gates, a major tech leader, sides with the Feds. But a former CIA chief sides with Apple. I’ve already stated my stand. Whose side are you on?