March 22 will bring Apple to court once again but not for a copyright lawsuit it usually deals with but something much larger.
The FBI wants Apple to reverse its progress of security on mobile devices, providing them with a back door access to any device. This would mean that regardless of fingerprint locks or any passcodes, the US government would be able to unlock any Apple device it suspects.
This is a difficult decision and one that truly will redefine many things besides Apple’s current stock price. Look at both sides of this argument.
The FBI argues that Apple is helping criminals by not allowing access to devices and is risking the security of the world.
This is further heated by a quote from Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance that a criminal described iOS 8 as a ‘gift from God’.
Apple states that changing the software to allow back door access is destroying security by allowing hackers to exploit it for even more criminal activity.
So you have to ask yourself, would you want there to be a secret way to access all your data without knowing it? A reasonable comparison is when you check your bags in at the airport you lock them yourself. But there is a TSA lock that allows authorities to instantly open any bag. After 9/11 attacks this is a compromise that many of us not only accept but encourage. But how often do you pack ultra sensitive documents or valuables in your checked suitcase?
Your phone is a treasure of information from contacts, emails and browsing history. Which easily holds more such as passport, credit cards and medical records.
If they pass a law allowing access to your phone is it then acceptable for local police to ask you for duplicate keys to your house in case of national security?
Do you trust goverments enough that they themselves won’t be hacked and this access will not get out to criminals? Look at how many times mega corporations have been hacked and credit cards and other info was taken.
Lastly think of the implications it will have on US based tech business overall. Apple will surely be forced to not develop technology in California. Most Apple devices are already made predominantly overseas anyway. Most other security companies will also leave in fear of degrading customer trust worldwide due to local laws.
Finally our phones will have a new definition of ‘unlocked’. It will no longer mean locked into a carrier like ATT, it will mean any phone bought in the US has a permanent monkey on its back.