In early 2016, the FBI wanted Apple to create software to unlock an iPhone 5C us
ID: 391960 • Letter: I
Question
In early 2016, the FBI wanted Apple to create software to unlock an iPhone 5C used by Syed Farook, who weeks earlier had killed 14 people in a terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California.
Apple helped pull data from Farook's iCloud account, but some dates were missing. And the FBI couldn't get into the phone because it didn't know the passcode.
On February 16, 2016, US Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym ordered Apple to create that software for the FBI. Apple refused, with Cook arguing that the order went too far and would threaten the security and privacy of all iPhone users. Bypassing the iPhone's password meant creating a "back door" in its iOS mobile software that could access every other iPhone, he said.
Which side are you on? The FBI or Apple? Explain.
Explanation / Answer
Farook the terrorist killed 14 innocent people in a terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California. iPhone 5C was used in that attack. The FBI could not open the phone as it was password protected. It will be blocked after few attempts to open using password, so took the help of Apple Company and able to find some information from the iCloud account but failed to get the important missing data. So the US Government through court ordered the Apple to create one software to open the mobile phone. The company refused to create the software as it is violating of privacy for its customers and against the interest of the stakeholders.
My opinion will be in favor of FBI as fighting against terrorism is a National issue and is a matter of National security. Each individual or group of individuals is responsible to protect the nation from terrorism as the FBI is doing. The terrorism act can be happen to any customer or customers of the Apple Company.
Apple can develop one software to open the mobile in their organization and retrieve the data inside it and then can handover to FBI for further investigation. Not necessary to handover the software to FBI. The Apple can do it at their work place and can keep it for any future use or can destroy it immediately.
As a matter of expenditure to create the software for Apple, the Government can help to some extend or if not then Apple can spent the amount as this can be the expenditure for the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that Apple has for the society.
Apple can develop one software without violating the customer’s privacy which will minimize the use of mobile phone in terrorist attacks and it will be the threat for them in reveal of data to others which may disturb their plan. So terrorist attacks can be minimized.
So Apple Company should help FBI in some ways to help them indirectly.