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Apple's Refusal to Create iPhone Backdoor Pits Public Safety Against Personal
Privacy

Michelle Quinn

   SAN FRANCISCO - A long-running battle between U.S. law enforcement and
   the technology industry was pushed to the forefront again this week
   when U.S. Attorney William Barr criticized Apple for refusing to open
   two iPhones belonging to a Saudi aviation student at the Florida naval
   air station who killed three sailors.

   At issue is whether public safety concerns, such as investigating
   whether the shooter worked with others, should outweigh the benefits of
   encryption, which allows people to trust that their personal privacy
   and security are protected while using the technology.

   Some law enforcement agencies and lawmakers argue that smartphones and
   communication technology, such as Facebook's WhatsApp, which is built
   with strong encryption, should also come with a "back door," so that
   police can gain access.

   "We should be able to get in when we have a warrant that establishes
   that criminal activity is under way," Barr said Monday.

   Tuesday afternoon, U.S. President Donald Trump echoed Barr's concerns,
   tweeting: "We are helping Apple all of the time on TRADE and so many
   other issues, and yet they refuse to unlock phones used by killers,
   drug dealers and other violent criminal elements. They will have to
   step up to the plate and help our great Country, NOW! MAKE AMERICA
   GREAT AGAIN."

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