Apple’s Dilemma

Apple is refusing a court order to give the FBI access to an iPhone that belonged to the San Bernardino, CA shooter Syed Farook. Tim Cook states, “We are challenging the FBI’s demands with the deepest respect for American democracy and a love of our country. We believe it would be in the best interest of everyone to step back and consider the implications.” This is a complex issue, pitting national security against personal privacy. Data security has been a big issue, in credit card processing, email encryption, and smartphone encryption. Apple believes that complying with the court order will be taking a step backward in the progress that has been made to protect its customers. Hackers eventually find a way around every security measure invented. Providing a back door would just make it too easy for them!