Technology is both a weapon and a tool, and, after the San Bernardino shooting, the FBI is hoping it can still be utilized as the latter. After taking the matter to federal court, Apple has been called upon to help break into the iPhone of one of the shooters to uncover whatever information they can in an attempt to prevent future attacks.
Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, husband and wife, were the pair that killed 14 and wounded 20 in California back in December. Both shooters were killed by the police after the incident, and the phone, which actually belonged to Farook’s employer, was one piece of evidence that remained, according to USA Today.
That being said, the phone has become a valuable piece of evidence, but, as most do, Farook had a passcode on his phone that is still preventing the FBI from getting past the lock screen. CNN reports the phone’s contents will be erased after 10 incorrect attempts at the code—and Apple can apparently turn this feature off. This is an unusual request only seen in thriller movies thus far, but a federal judged ordered Apple to comply this past Tuesday. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, stated on Apple’s website that, despite the ruling, they still feel that act of breaking into an iPhone is against their own morals, as it could make customers wary of the security on their own phones.
The Obama administration has discussed accessing users’ private information to prevent terrorist attacks not only with Apple, but with Facebook, as well. Although information uncovered by this could be vital to stopping surprise attacks, it could do more harm than good in terms of users trusting companies and false accusations doing damage.
Although this decision went against Cook’s personal opinion on the matter, the unprecedented action will not only help the matter at hand, but will also create a path for issues in the future, whether they be with iPhones, or with other new technology. James Comey, FBI director, made it clear that unlocking the killer’s phone was critical to the continuation of their research, so Apple’s contribution will lead to the information needed to see if there will be more shootings in the future.
Prosecuters issued a new filing Friday, according to ABC, asking the judge to force Apple’s hand. “Apple’s current refusal to comply with the Court’s Order, despite the technical feasibility of doing so, instead appears to be based on its concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy,” the filing said, seeming to say that Apple cares more about its public image than actually keeping anyone safe. But Apple seems to think that allowing a ‘backdoor’ into people’s phones would pose a much greater security risk.
Is Apple breaking into one of their customers’ phones an immoral act that will lead the way to a lack of privacy for everyone? Or is it justified given the circumstances?