Tim Cook’s open letter summarizes the demand being made on Apple by the FBI:
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Specifically, the FBI wants us to make a new version of the iPhone operating system, circumventing several important security features, and install it on an iPhone recovered during the investigation. 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.
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That’s insane.
First, unless it has gone unreported, the FBI hasn’t offered to pay Apple for such an operating system. Last time I looked, involuntary servitude was prohibited by the US constitution.
Second, Apple is free to choose the products it wishes to create and cannot be forced to create any particular product, even if paid.
The FBI’s position runs counter to any principled notion of liberty. The FBI would have our liberty subject to the whim and caprice of law enforcement agencies.
I don’t use any Apple products but if a defense fund for Apple is created to resist this absurdity, I will certainly be in line to contribute to it.
So should we all.