Posted on 02/20/2016 3:58:47 PM PST by dennisw
Apple was hailed as a champion of digital privacy this week after refusing to help the FBI hack into an iPhone belonging to a suspect in the San Bernardino shooting. But the firm hasn't always been so scrupulous about user data, especially in China.
The standoff between the FBI and Apple over the investigation into the San Bernardino shooting, which claimed the lives of 14 people in early December, has divided the United States. While some have argued that the company should, in this particular case, help investigators by bypassing the phone's security system, others have insisted that doing so will set a dangerous precedent.
The controversy began on Tuesday after a judge ordered Apple to help the FBI "hack" an iPhone linked to the tragic shooting. The next day, the White House gave the investigation its full support, describing it as an "important national priority".
Despite being a vocal critic of President Barack Obama, presidential candidate Donald Trump agreed with him on the issue, slamming Apple's refusal to cooperate with law enforcement officials. "I agree 100 percent with the courts... Who do they think they are? No, we have to open it up," he told Fox News on Thursday.
Chinese 'security checks'
But others have backed Apple CEO Tim Cook's refusal to bow to the FBI, including Google boss Sundar Pichai, as well as the heads of WhatsApp (part of Facebook) and Microsoft. Almost overnight, Cook became a bulwark against government efforts to access users' personal information.
Apple's new role as a champion of digital privacy must be making the Chinese government smile. According to an article by the US news website Quartz, Cook's intransigence apparently depends on geography.
Apple takes a stand against FBI on digital privacy
Citing reports by Chinese daily Beijing News and the state-run People's Daily, the article claimed that Cook agreed in January 2015 to allow authorities in China to carry out "security checks" on all iPhones sold in the country to make sure the US had not installed any spyware. But, Apple has never confirmed or responded to the allegations.
The article reported that analysts believe Apple likely handed over its operating system source code as part of the agreement. If true, this would mean that the Chinese government knows how Apple's software works, including its security system.
User data stored in China
Apple also decided in February 2015 to store local users' personal data in China. The move was a gesture of good will towards Beijing that other companies like Google, for example, have always rejected for "security reasons". This is because it is easier for China to request access to personal information that is under its jurisdiction.
But Apple has never given Beijing the means to hack an iPhone, which is exactly what Cook has accused the United States of seeking in what he described as "an unprecedented step that threatens the security of our customers".
But Apple's alleged behaviour in China has demonstrated that the company may be capable of granting a government - even one known for Internet censorship - access to users' personal information if it's within the company's best commercial interests.
No it isn’t the law. Apple has already had litigation on this
Do you really want to give away hour freedoms
They also have to have many kinds of evidence sharing and certified techs, attorney cooperation, court agreed experts, judges to ok the possesses involved, supreme Court rulings on case law etc. No problems /s
Very interesting.
Now the FBI is admitting they asked the San Bernardino ITs to change the password on the terrorists I phone.
Interesting reply. Thanks
Is Viacom the provider for your
30 mbps connection.
I only pay 34.99 for this 30 mbps connection....no cable and I own my own modem....
Thanks Dave
A corporation run by liberals has no allegiance to America. A trait identified with communists and muslims.
How long before we openly admit the left is not comprised of patriots?
“The county changed the password when they confiscated the phone. The idiot cannot remember what he changed it to. “
What kind of sloppy chain of custody is that? How was this phone not immediately placed into evidence? Good thing the cops killed these two dumbasses.
Great reply old Friend.
This is as interesting as our presidential primary selection.
After last night, it may be more interesting.
Please ping me on any posts you might make on this Kabuki Theater and replies.
Thanks
Dave
Sure thing..... And have a pleasant Sunday!
And they want to force Apple to correct their mistakes
You to my longtime FRiend.
My wife and I went to Saturday night church service last night, so we have a whole Sunday with no real timelines besides charcoaling a steak and asparagus somewhere around 6 pm.
This Apple and the Terrorist phone stuff is very interesting.
My ancient MI background is telling me that this may be a double Kabuki theater:
1. To save Apple face since NSA has cracked the codes with Apple help.
2. The information from the phone cracking has enabling the FBI, CIA and SAS wet teams around the world to clean up a lot of terrorists. Besides the cleanup of bad guys, we have more seized I phones with even more good data. Which means more bad guy cleanup is probably going on as we enjoy our Sunday. The Islamic terrorists around the world with I phones are having a bad day, night and tomorrow.
fyi
Time Warner
I don't think that's true. That's why the govt ordered Apple to create a system that currently does not exist.
Apple vs. FBI: 9 Updates in the Fight Over a Killer’s Locked iPhone
MEDIA | By Joan E. Solsman on February 22, 2016 @ 5:26 pm
http://www.thewrap.com/apple-vs-fbi-9-updates-fight-locked-iphone/
Rush Limbaugh spent his first half hour taking about this FBI vs Apple yesterday
Rush Limbaugh spent his first half hour taking about this FBI vs Apple yesterday.
Would a recording of that monolog work for people having trouble going to sleep?
If so, maybe we could get marketing rights.
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