Apple vs the FBI

[mornelithe]

Zkuq said:

mornelithe said:

Why wouldn't it stop there?  If Apple retains the OS, it would mean anytime a situation like this arose, the FBI would need to get a Federal Judge to issue the warrant, which would become public knowledge, and then everyone would know about it...exactly like this situation we're in now.  The only way it occurs w/ lesser crimes is if Apple doesn't fight it.  And if they're as gung-ho about consumer privacy as they claim (I call bullshit), they'll put up this much of a fight, for every single request.

Beyond that, I'd like to know more about the reasoning behind this as well, but I doubt we'll get access to the court transcripts anytime soon.  I think the FBI wants to analyze any and all data that's on this murderers device, which is standard procedure in murder investigations, and probably especially so when dealing with nefarious groups that work behind the scenes.  Sure, they'd probably love to have the OS update in their possession, but, that's not what they're asking and Apple is under no obligation to give it to them.

Because the investigators will come up with excuses to do this in other cases too. Once it's done, it's easier to do it next time. And once it's done, it'll be much, much harder to fight it next time. To be honest, I don't care what Apple's motive behind this is, I just agree with what they're doing here. I generally dislike Apple but not here.

This is a huge matter and shouldn't be decided in a court, I don't think. I don't mind warrants for electronics, but forcing the manufacturers to help in this manner... I'd say that's questionable at best.

Then it's up to Apple and the Judge to look at the facts, and decide whether the lesser crime is worthy of this level of access.  This was Apple's choice.  They made their hardware this difficult to deal with, and so they will have to fight every request, as they come, that's their new reality.  According to the current ruling, Apple must do this.  Now, what the penalty is to Apple specifically for refusing, I've no idea (If the Government wanted to be dicks, they could file charges against Apple for obstruction of justice/aiding a foreign terrorist organization).  However, what the penalty could end up being at the Government level, across all tech companies is infinitely worse, than what you're theorizing here.  Think about it. 

Personally, I think these individuals lost their right to privacy when they decided to do what they did.  So, while I definitely think privacy is worthy of protection and fighting for, I believe these individuals gave up those rights and protections.