Apple Computers vs. the FBI court case will set a new precedent for the communication and internet technology.
And if you have a phone or computer then it will affect you regardless what side of the planet you reside on, what language you speak, what politics or religion you adhere to. Simply put, Apple is trying to build more “secure” devices by not having any ability to unlock their electronics except by the user.
The FBI wants accessibility to devices which are being used for criminal activities. There is no such thing as “back door” to products. The police only search with probable cause and valid search warrants. Hackers will always be because they are criminals and criminals are great at picking locks. Individual Privacy vs. Public Security is the question.
Let’s say that instead of 14 common people had been killed in cold blood, that it was the following rich, famous and powerful people, like, for argument’s sake, members of the British Royal family.
And in addition to these, there would be 22 others in the Palace who were wounded and maimed for life. If I were a betting person, then I would suppose that chances were great that Scotland Yard, Interpol and the FBI would be able to convince Apple to crack open their phones software to gather evidence against the killers. Need I say more? There wouldn’t even be a case.
But when you are the most profitable company in the world, perhaps you think you are impervious to laws, edicts, orders, and regulations. Apple’s attorneys claim that no one, including the FBI, has the right to make them write a new program in order to be able to access a locked phone.
Hum, let’s think that over. Yep, Apple you are right. Let’s think of the alternative. The government may not make you write a new program to open a locked phone of a mass killer. Instead, they should just recall…and stop the sales…of all your phones, iPad, computers and all other electronic devices in the entire world which have the potential to be used by criminals for perpetrating killings.
*At $234 billion in sales per year, do you really want the gravy train to come to a screeching halt?
If they had only killed the Queen and her family or the top richest and most powerful 14 Princes of the Middle East then there wouldn’t even be a discussion, argument, news, or case. But let’s go all the way to the top of the echelon of the MOST INFLUENTIAL AND THE VERY RICHEST place and citizens on earth. That would be at The Vatican with the Pope and 13 of his closest Cardinals.
I cannot help but think that the murder’s phone would have been unlocked in the most expeditious manner!
A few days ago the US State Department announced this warning to Americans abroad :
** Credible information indicates terrorist groups also seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa. The U.S. government remains highly concerned about possible attacks against U.S. citizens, facilities, businesses, and perceived U.S. and Western interests. Private U.S. citizens are strongly discouraged from traveling to any country to join in armed conflict. U.S. citizens are reminded that fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of support to designated terrorist organizations, including ISIL, can constitute the provision of material support for terrorism, which is a serious crime that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines.
Got it. So what constitutes “can constitute the provision of material support for terrorism, which is a serious crime that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines”?
Yes, let’s start with rounding up the Apple phones and products which are obviously being used by terrorists.
Footnote:
*[“Fiscal 2015 was Apple’s most successful year ever, with revenue growing 28% to nearly $234 billion.]
**[US State Department, Worldwide Caution, Last Updated: March 3, 2016]
