Your claim that it was "an incredibly stupid PR stunt" has no basis in fact. None what so ever. Apple position has far more support in LAW than does the FBI's. You are grasping at straws in your delusions. Apple's purpose was to protect the privacy and security of over 800 million iOS device users . . . many of whom are corporations who rely on that security and privacy for company secrets and even more are GOVERNMENTS including ours who PRESSURED Apple into increasing its security so that our government agencies could rely on the security and invulnerability of iOS devices in their departments. To make a version of iOS with a back door in it would VIOLATE THOSE CONTRACTS, both literal and implied.
You are an idiot if you think otherwise and think this was just a PR stunt, going up against the foremost law enforcement agency in the world, and the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, and thumbing their nose at the Federal Courts if Apple did not have a strong LEGAL case and argument. Apple WON in a New York Federal Court, having an exactly similar Federal Court order vacated. This is NOT a PR Stunt. This is about protecting YOUR civil rights.
Swordmaker: “...To make a version of iOS with a back door in it would VIOLATE THOSE CONTRACTS, both literal and implied... “
As far as I know, Apple was NEVER ordered to provide a “back door” into their devices. Do you have proof of your claim?
Swordmaker: “ ...Apple’s purpose was to protect the privacy and security of over 800 million iOS device users . . . many of whom are corporations who rely on that security and privacy for company secrets and even more are GOVERNMENTS including ours who PRESSURED Apple into increasing its security so that our government agencies could rely on the security and invulnerability of iOS devices in their departments... “
I totally agree that Apple SHOULD have protected their devices data security for their clients, which is why I am REALLY POed that they refused to assist the FBI in a terrorist investigation. I think you missed my point that Apple should have voluntarily assisted the FBI, thereby maintaining control of access to their devices. If so, the FBI probably would not have wasted time and effort going to a third party. Now it appears that Apple’s stupid refusal has resulted in a possible total lose of control... The FBI may actually now be able to unlock any iPhone of the model the terrorist used, and maybe even other models and other Apple devices.
Swordmaker: “ ...You are an idiot... “
The TRUE sign of when someone can’t offer a winning argument is to descend into the gutter with personal attacks. Not welcomed and absolutely unnecessary, Swordmaker...
” ...Apple’s purpose was to protect the privacy and security of over 800 million iOS device users . . . many of whom are corporations who rely on that security and privacy for company secrets and even more are GOVERNMENTS including ours who PRESSURED Apple into increasing its security so that our government agencies could rely on the security and invulnerability of iOS devices in their departments... “
With regards to US government data communications using the private sector for encryption:
I proudly served my country by voluntarily joining the USAF. My service in military data communications required that I must be qualified for a Top Secret security clearance. I passed muster and was granted that clearance. I can assure you that the USAF, and probably no other military branch, or maybe even any branch of US government at the time relied on the private sector for data encryption... we had our own highly sophisticated crypto devices under total government control...
So, I really doubt that the US government now relies on the likes of Apple Inc. for secure data comms :)