Bad Apple? Tim Cook divides tech users over refusal to make iPhone ‘master-key’ for FBI
Apple is trending on Twitter after CEO Tim Cook pledging to oppose a US court order to help create a “backdoor” to the iPhone. The move would have allowed FBI investigators to unlock an encrypted phone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters.
Cook published an open letter on Apple’s website Wednesday stating the company’s position on the order: “The United States government has demanded that Apple take an unprecedented step which threatens the security of our customers. We oppose this order, which has implications far beyond the legal case at hand.”
READ MORE: ‘Too dangerous’: Apple blasts court order over San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone
Members of the Twitterati have been coming online in droves to praise the CEO for his decision:
FBI: We need a way into that iPhone@tim_cook : Nah.
— Xavier Harding (@iamxavier) February 17, 2016
FBI: But we--@tim_cook : pic.twitter.com/8pw61bTv18
Recap for non-techies:
— Daniel Bostic (@debostic) February 17, 2016
The court has ordered Apple to give the US Gov complete access to see everything on iPhones.
Tim Cook has said no👊🏻
I am 100% behind @tim_cook and #Apple on this one. Thank you for taking the strong stance on privacy & security. https://t.co/5EKd03NzVa
— Jason Jocson (@_jasonjocson) February 17, 2016
Excellent and clear letter from Tim Cook opposing the court order to create a software bypass; https://t.co/UyTQAI1tDj
— John Lilly (@johnolilly) February 17, 2016
However, some social media users are questioning the wisdom of Cook’s actions in refusing to comply with the court order and suggesting a boycott of Apple products until he rescinds his decision:
@tim_cook Not interested in YOUR company's interests and don't care about your "privacy" issues...I urge you to cooperate with FBI! #NOAPPLE
— Chris allen (@ChrisCbuckrnd) February 17, 2016
@tim_cook I will never buy apple products again if Apple continues to deny this FBI investigation. Stop justifying your hate for America.
— Andy and Kayla Cook (@an_dcook) February 17, 2016
In refusing the FBI are Apple protecting our privacy or supporting terrorism? I'm inclined to think the latter. #boycottapple
— Stephen Adshead (@screechyboy79) February 17, 2016
@tim_cook is in favor of terrorists#BoycottApplehttps://t.co/Lp47dnppzd
— Arlo: The Good Human (@GSloanMDK) February 17, 2016
Screw the privacy laws! Keeping Americans safe should override any of that BS. Shame on Apple! #BoycottApple
— Diamond Girl (@Butterfly0057) February 17, 2016
Eyes have also turned towards other tech giants, such as Google, to see if they will follow Apple’s example in defending their users’ privacy against court orders for access.
Today would be the perfect day for Sundar Pichai (Google, CEO) to back up Tim Cook (Apple, CEO).
— Jeremiah Grossman (@jeremiahg) February 17, 2016
National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden, for one, isn’t too optimistic about that happening:
This is the most important tech case in a decade. Silence means @google picked a side, but it's not the public's. https://t.co/mi5irJcr25
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) February 17, 2016
Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, has also weighed in on the debate, calling for Apple to comply with the Justice Department.
“Who do they think they are? No, we have to open it up,” he said in a call in to the Fox & Friends show after Cook released the statement.
.@realDonaldTrump argues that Apple should help investigators hack into San Bernardino shooter's iPhonehttps://t.co/LoD9GF0jSC
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) February 17, 2016
