Last time, the whole U.S. was shocked by the tragic 2015 San Bernardo Shooting incident that was committed by Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik. It is reported that prior to the attack, the couple had sent messages to each other via messaging apps and social networking sites. The Federal Bureau of Investigation believes that Farook’s phone, being an Apple iPhone 5C running an iOS 9, contains messages that could be useful for the entire investigation. However, the messages have been encrypted and since the FBI can’t risk the danger of erasing the precious data, they are now asking Apple to help them find out the password or create a backdoor or vulnerability that will enable them to access the needed data. Though this is a noble act for FBI’s part, Apple did not oblige. And because of this, a dispute had broken out between the two of them.
Maybe most of you are asking: Why did Apple chose to defy FBI’s wish? Well…the reasons are simple yet very worthy to consider:
- Maneuvering their OS will definitely cause security breaches. If Apple has obliged to do the FBI’s bidding, the overall security in their operating systems will be put to risk. If this happens, their customers’ privacy will be compromised, which is a violation against the company’s mission and vision.
- Their Customers’ trust towards them will be lessened. If Apple will let FBI compromise their operating system’s security, it will result into lesser public trust, which will eventually lead to lesser sales.
- The FBI’s legal basis is out of context and questionable. FBI claims that Apple needs to submit to their bidding because All Writs Act of 1798 gives the government the entire right to issue all necessary writs in order to implement the law. However, Apple defends by claiming that their rights are well-protected by 1st and 5th Amendments, which is very accurate and true.