By Allan Lengel
ticklethewire.com
The battle is on with Apple, which has vowed to fight a federal court order to help the FBI undo the encryption for a phone that belonged to one of the terrorists in the San Bernardino shooting on Dec. 2.
Apple CEO Tim Cook posted a letter online Wednesday night:
“In the wrong hands, this software — which does not exist today — would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone’s physical possession.
“The FBI may use different words to describe this tool, but make no mistake: Building a version of iOS that bypasses security in this way would undeniably create a backdoor. And while the government may argue that its use would be limited to this case, there is no way to guarantee such control.”
Now, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), is firing back with a statement from Nathan Catura:
Tim Cook has grossly misrepresented the intentions of the FBI and the federal government. His implication that the US government wants to break into Apple customers’ phones is akin to police searching a person’s home without a warrant.
Before the FBI or any law enforcement agency is able to search someone’s phone, they must first obtain a court order issued by a federal judge or magistrate. In this case, it is outrageous for the CEO of one of the largest technology companies to suggest that federal agents are invading individuals’ privacy after the lawful presentation of a federal court order. Tim Cook is employing fear-mongering tactics to prevent law enforcement from performing their duties.
For the safety of all Americans, it is imperative that we continue to support and protect our national interest and national security. That is the goal. Unfortunately, Tim Cook is neglecting this fact which begs the question: how many more lives will be ruined or lost because the likes of Tim Cook and other billionaires who have a financial stake in the industry don’t believe in American jurisprudence?
This is a country of laws and no one, not even Tim Cook, is above that. He stands here, without any legal merit, actively choosing to ignore a federal court order. His arrogance has given him a false sense of superiority when it is in fact his responsibility as an American citizen to recognize and adhere to our system of laws, which were put in place to ensure both individual and national security. Tim Cook does not get to decide what laws he must comply with. That’s not the American way of justice.
It’s time for Apple and Tim Cook to abide by the law and do their part to prevent another terrorist attack on American soil.”
you can count on FLEOA to echo the FBI’s Director position. the FBI Dir issued a public statement earlier today. FLEOA yells “Amen Brother” in response. FLEOA lackeys always echo and cozy up to management hoping the bosses will invite them to lunch and offer them a few dog biscuits under the table.
The hysterical hyperbole by this FLEOA mouthpiece only serves to warn why we shouldn’t be so complacent in giving up our liberties. Of course the issue isn’t as clear cut or uncomplicated as Catura would have you believe. Apple complies with thousands of government search warrant requests. You know that other governments, some not so friendly, would have access once Apple were compelled to write new code for their phones. And that is partially the issue. What is reasonable. Apple gives plenty of iCloud info to the government. Should they have to have their programmers create a whole new phone allowing the government access? It’s not about terrorism here. This is a test case for the government to have unrestricted access to personal information. This will be used in the lowest of drug cases in its everyday manifestation. The government should have done its part, like in other instances, in properly vetting the female San Bernardino shooters “marriage visa” background check. They fail to do their due diligence with the tools legislatively given and the public and Apple are shamed because they don’t roll over and give up their constitutional liberties. And – cv’s comments are right on.