Apple CEO Tim Cook, speaking Monday at his company's live event to introduce a new iPhone model, reiterated why his company is refusing to create a "backdoor" for authorities to unlock encrypted iPhones. According to Cook, Apple believes that the nation has to decide how much power the government has, as well as that the iPhone is an "extension of ourselves." Cook is "humbled" by Americans' support of Apple on the issue.
Here's what he had to say:
Tim Cook is addressing the Apple/FBI conflict. "The iPhone is an extension of ourselves."
— MacRumorsLive (@macrumorslive) March 21, 2016
"We need to decide as a nation how much power the government should have over our data and over our privacy."
— MacRumorsLive (@macrumorslive) March 21, 2016
"I've been deeply humbled by the support we've received from Americans across the country."
— MacRumorsLive (@macrumorslive) March 21, 2016
"We didn't expect to be in this position, but we believe strongly we have a responsibility to protect your data and your privacy."
— MacRumorsLive (@macrumorslive) March 21, 2016
"This is an issue that impacts all of us and we will not shrink from this responsibility."
— MacRumorsLive (@macrumorslive) March 21, 2016
While I agree that this issue is one that is particularly complex, I agree with Cook that it is a dangerous precedent for a government to force a company to create a tool to violate its own security features. iPhones are used for everything--banking, socializing, healthcare, and many other things--and it's unsettling to think that there could be a "master key" that's able to unlock features at a moment's notice.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member