The squabble raises two big questions. First, is
Apple required to help the government hack
its own security technology when requested?
Second, is government pressure on this issue
the prelude for a broader effort to outlaw
encryption technology the feds can’t break?
THE QUARREL SO FAR
The Justice Department and Apple have been
in talks recently over the Saudi student’s iPhone.
Justice officials contend that they still haven’t
received an answer about whether Apple has
the capability to unlock the devices.
During a news conference announcing the
findings of the Pensacola station investigation,
U.S. Attorney William Barr said it’s critical for law
enforcement to know with whom the shooter
communicated and about what, before he died.
“So far, Apple has not given any substantive
assistance,” Barr said. “We call on Apple and other
technology companies to help us find a solution
so that we can better protect the lives of the
American people and prevent future attacks.”
Apple rejected that characterization. “Our
responses to their many requests since the
attack have been timely, thorough and are
ongoing,” the company said.