Apple and FBI have been engaged in a high-stakes battle in a US federal court. The issue? The US government wants Apple to help them break into the iPhone 5 of the accused in the San Bernardino terror attack. The company says an emphatic no.
In this battle, you may argue that Apple, the powerful corporate that it is, can’t be David. But in this case, it’s faced off against an intelligence agency – a government establishment known for being all powerful and omnipresent.
The news went viral after Apple’s CEO posted an open letter on privacy on the company’s website.
Here’s what you need to know on the Apple versus FBI story.
Where Did it Start?
The battle is over a court order to help the FBI access information on the encrypted iPhone used by the Pakistani-American shooter in the San Bernardino attack.
A US magistrate has ordered Apple to help the Obama administration hack into an encrypted iPhone belonging to one of the shooters in the San Bernardino attack in December that killed 14 people. The reason why everyone is on tenterhooks is because this is a first-of-its-kind ruling that pits digital privacy against national security interests.
Apple, however, is not convinced and Silicon Valley is rallying behind the company, including rivals like Google.
Why Did Tim Cook Write an Open Letter?
Encryption systems that Apple and other tech companies use to secure consumers’ data has always been a point of interest for US law enforcement. There has been a strong lobby for it in recent years.
This access will allow the government to gather evidence that may exist on iPhones – like messages, photos, location data, and more.
But there’s no guarantee that it’ll solely be used for law enforcement. Once out, it could be almost impossible to keep it from falling into the wrong hands.
Tim Cook says he feels very strongly about protecting the overall integrity of Apple’s encryption systems and its customers privacy. Therefore, an open appeal.
Is Encryption Legal and Why is it Important?
Yes, encrypting your phones, laptops or desktop data is legal. But with a strong lobby against it this can become an issue similar to Net Neutrality.
Encryption keeps your data safe. That includes your multimedia, emails, financial information etc.
If your data is not encrypted, you are totally at the mercy of hackers. Agencies like FBI or the government can even use your data against you and frame you as a criminal or a terrorist.
What’s the Status?
Apple has publicly rejected the federal court’s order and will likely appeal against it. The court has given Apple three additional days to reconsider its decision on whether it will give the FBI access to its system.
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