Leading tech companies are rallying behind Apple in its fight against a court order requiring the company to help investigators break into an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino mass shooters.
A U.S. magistrate ordered Apple to produce software that would give investigators access to the iPhone at issue. Apple has until next Tuesday to challenge that ruling, setting the stage for a legal clash that could determine whether tech companies or government authorities get the final say on just how secure devices like smartphones can be.
“We stand with @tim-cook and Apple (and thank him for his leadership)!” Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey wrote in a tweet Thursday afternoon.
We stand with @tim_cook and Apple (and thank him for his leadership)! https://t.co/XrnGC9seZ4
— Jack (@jack) February 18, 2016
In a statement, Facebook said it condemns terrorism and also appreciates the essential work of law enforcement in keeping people safe but it will “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,” the statement said.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai also voiced support for Apple in a series of tweets.
1/5 Important post by @tim_cook. Forcing companies to enable hacking could compromise users’ privacy
— sundarpichai (@sundarpichai) February 17, 2016
2/5 We know that law enforcement and intelligence agencies face significant challenges in protecting the public against crime and terrorism
— sundarpichai (@sundarpichai) February 17, 2016
3/5 We build secure products to keep your information safe and we give law enforcement access to data based on valid legal orders
— sundarpichai (@sundarpichai) February 17, 2016
4/5 But that’s wholly different than requiring companies to enable hacking of customer devices & data. Could be a troubling precedent
— sundarpichai (@sundarpichai) February 17, 2016
5/5 Looking forward to a thoughtful and open discussion on this important issue
— sundarpichai (@sundarpichai) February 17, 2016
The government isn’t asking Apple to help break the iPhone’s encryption directly, but to disable other security measures that prevent attempts to guess the phone’s passcode.
On Tuesday, Cook posted an open letter that contended the FBI’s request might have implications “far beyond the legal case at hand.”
For months, Cook has engaged in a sharp, public debate with government officials over his company’s decision to shield the data of iPhone users with strong encryption. FBI Director James Comey on down have complained that terrorists and criminals may use that encryption as a shield.
While other tech companies have spoken against broad government surveillance in the past, the Obama administration has recently sought to enlist the tech industry’s help in fighting terrorism.
Many have come forward to support Apple.
An @FBI win against #Apple results in an insecurity mandate. A world where Americans can’t sell secure products, but our competitors can.
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) February 18, 2016
@FBI is like all other IT clients. Claim that the password just stopped working. They swear they didn’t touch anything. #apple
— Anthony Casella (@AGCasella) February 20, 2016
#Apple is being forced to make a gov backdoor for all #iPhones because Obama’s refugees aren’t properly vetted. Almost like it was planned.😶
— Jami (@Jami_USA) February 19, 2016
I have my right to privacy so i support #apple with its decision
— Troi baby (@coolvibrationz) February 19, 2016
