Post: #1

http://www.apple.com/customer-letter/

Never like Apple, but this is unexpected.

Quote:A Message to Our Customers
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.

This moment calls for public discussion, and we want our customers and people around the country to understand what is at stake.

The Need for Encryption
Smartphones, led by iPhone, have become an essential part of our lives. People use them to store an incredible amount of personal information, from our private conversations to our photos, our music, our notes, our calendars and contacts, our financial information and health data, even where we have been and where we are going.

All that information needs to be protected from hackers and criminals who want to access it, steal it, and use it without our knowledge or permission. Customers expect Apple and other technology companies to do everything in our power to protect their personal information, and at Apple we are deeply committed to safeguarding their data.

Compromising the security of our personal information can ultimately put our personal safety at risk. That is why encryption has become so important to all of us.

For many years, we have used encryption to protect our customers’ personal data because we believe it’s the only way to keep their information safe. We have even put that data out of our own reach, because we believe the contents of your iPhone are none of our business.

The San Bernardino Case
We were shocked and outraged by the deadly act of terrorism in San Bernardino last December. We mourn the loss of life and want justice for all those whose lives were affected. The FBI asked us for help in the days following the attack, and we have worked hard to support the government’s efforts to solve this horrible crime. We have no sympathy for terrorists.

When the FBI has requested data that’s in our possession, we have provided it. Apple complies with valid subpoenas and search warrants, as we have in the San Bernardino case. We have also made Apple engineers available to advise the FBI, and we’ve offered our best ideas on a number of investigative options at their disposal.

We have great respect for the professionals at the FBI, and we believe their intentions are good. Up to this point, we have done everything that is both within our power and within the law to help them. But now the U.S. government has asked us for something we simply do not have, and something we consider too dangerous to create. They have asked us to build a backdoor to the iPhone.

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.

The Threat to Data Security
Some would argue that building a backdoor for just one iPhone is a simple, clean-cut solution. But it ignores both the basics of digital security and the significance of what the government is demanding in this case.

In today’s digital world, the “key” to an encrypted system is a piece of information that unlocks the data, and it is only as secure as the protections around it. Once the information is known, or a way to bypass the code is revealed, the encryption can be defeated by anyone with that knowledge.

The government suggests this tool could only be used once, on one phone. But that’s simply not true. Once created, the technique could be used over and over again, on any number of devices. In the physical world, it would be the equivalent of a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks — from restaurants and banks to stores and homes. No reasonable person would find that acceptable.

The government is asking Apple to hack our own users and undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers — including tens of millions of American citizens — from sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals. The same engineers who built strong encryption into the iPhone to protect our users would, ironically, be ordered to weaken those protections and make our users less safe.

We can find no precedent for an American company being forced to expose its customers to a greater risk of attack. For years, cryptologists and national security experts have been warning against weakening encryption. Doing so would hurt only the well-meaning and law-abiding citizens who rely on companies like Apple to protect their data. Criminals and bad actors will still encrypt, using tools that are readily available to them.

A Dangerous Precedent
Rather than asking for legislative action through Congress, the FBI is proposing an unprecedented use of the All Writs Act of 1789 to justify an expansion of its authority.

The government would have us remove security features and add new capabilities to the operating system, allowing a passcode to be input electronically. This would make it easier to unlock an iPhone by “brute force,” trying thousands or millions of combinations with the speed of a modern computer.

The implications of the government’s demands are chilling. If the government can use the All Writs Act to make it easier to unlock your iPhone, it would have the power to reach into anyone’s device to capture their data. The government could extend this breach of privacy and demand that Apple build surveillance software to intercept your messages, access your health records or financial data, track your location, or even access your phone’s microphone or camera without your knowledge.

Opposing this order is not something we take lightly. We feel we must speak up in the face of what we see as an overreach by the U.S. government.

We are challenging the FBI’s demands with the deepest respect for American democracy and a love of our country. We believe it would be in the best interest of everyone to step back and consider the implications.

While we believe the FBI’s intentions are good, it would be wrong for the government to force us to build a backdoor into our products. And ultimately, we fear that this demand would undermine the very freedoms and liberty our government is meant to protect.

Tim Cook

Not surprised at all that the FBI would do this. Freedom and privacy, my ass.

Bold move by Apple by the way.

This is gonna be a turning point in digital privacy. If the government succeeds, you can bet your hairy ass that this sets a precedence for any and all intrusion of privacy from now on.

Not that they haven't been doing it already. But being able to do this on a high tech, large scale with something so pervasive such as Iphone will be very dangerous.

Then again, who will be the first victims to this government control. The same millenials dykes whose greatest achievements in life is standing in line to buy the new Iphone at exaggerated price. I feel kinda good still using a nokia brick phone on a regular basis.

Post: #2

They will crumble like a cookie soaked in milk.

Post: #3

Hopefully Apple continues to fight. This opens up too many doors if it goes through

Post: #4

I would love to see the US government shut down the richest company in the world that has more money than the US government. They can simply move their business abroad. Every politician wants Apple to be based in their country. And besides, encryption for iPhone and Android already exists. And if not, someone from a tax haven will make one and make millions. The Hacker News discussion is good. If this iPhone backdoor gets made, Saudi Arabia, Iran, China and every other country will get it and enemies of the state will be locked up.

Post: #5

(02-17-2016 10:20 AM)YoungAngel1 Wrote:  Hopefully Apple continues to fight. This opens up too many doors if it goes through

Apple has "fuck you all" money so its rather a question of whether or not they want to fight.

There is no law the government can "force" a company like Apple to do this. Maybe Tim also knows all too well that his own tech people would be outrage at this and do some Edward Snowden leak which could potentially destroy the company. Unlike the US government, Apple has lots of competition so it cant afford something like that.

On the other hand, that cuck Zuckenberg is all like "yeah sure I'll censor everyone going against the narrative"

Post: #6

I somehow doubt the sincerity of this Digital Declaration of Apple Independence From The Reptilian Overlords. As Apple itself says, it will already turn over any data it's told to by a court, and in the sorts of cases where the FBI or CIA are asking for access to someone's phone, a court will invariably be told "lives are at risk" or "national security is at risk" or similar, and access will be given. The FBI just wants something more convenient for its purposes.

I suspect the only reason Apple is writing to all their customers is because this lawsuit is a great advertisement opportunity for Apple - nothing more. If Apple wins the case, as you'd think it probably would, they'd be signalling to all those flagging crowds of millennials that their fapchat pics are safe from being downloaded by Agent Mulder so long as they're on Apple phones. If Apple loses, it basically isn't providing anything more than it is already required to under court orders anyway.

God save us from people who mean well. -storm

Post: #7

Might just be PR when the backdoor has already been built in for years. Would certainly surprise me if it wasn't. I always assumed it.

Post: #8

(02-17-2016 10:26 AM)Requiem Wrote:  Might just be PR when the backdoor has already been built in for years. Would certainly surprise me if it wasn't. I always assumed it.

Being the critic I am I would like to believe you, although I cant help but think this is not yet possible.

If there ever was a backdoor for the iphone, dont you think someone somewhere would have found it already? Hackers are smart and inexhaustible people. For something as lucrative as an iphone hack, if it exists somebody would have found it and caused some shit already.

I lean more toward Paracelsus' assertion that Apple can and will throw its customers under the FED bus, they are just unwilling to create a system that allow someone to have control over their product without going through them. Why give away your only power? This doesnt have anything to do with customer's privacy.

Post: #9

I hope Apple stands up to the FBI and says no.

Otherwise, I don't think it's any new precedent being made here... this just legalizes what the government has been doing for years.

Post: #10

(02-17-2016 10:34 AM)Dalaran1991 Wrote:  If there ever was a backdoor for the iphone, dont you think someone somewhere would have found it already? Hackers are smart and inexhaustible people. For something as lucrative as an iphone hack, if it exists somebody would have found it and caused some shit already.

Apple itself logs everywhere you go, it was some kind of a scandal some time ago. People were "outraged". I wasn't surprised at all.
The constant "syncing" with iCloud and whatever... you don't think they can easily sync any other data that's on your phone without your knowledge? And if they have the data - how difficult would it be for the FBI to get it?
Even if they go to court over this and win the case, it won't change anything for me. I'll continue to assume that everything I do on that little piece of convenience will be available for access by the secret service of at least America. Governments spy on other governments. And you think it's difficult for them to hack your phone? And if they do - do you think, Apple doesn't know about it?

Post: #11

So thats why you always see the newest Iphones in the hands of terrorists in Syria, Iraq, Libya etc.

Post: #12

Doesn't the NSA already have backdoors via hardware?

Post: #13

(02-17-2016 11:19 AM)Foolsgo1d Wrote:  So thats why you always see the newest Iphones in the hands of terrorists in Syria, Iraq, Libya etc.

How dare you ! Those are migrants and soul mates going to Europe !

Post: #14

Trump supports the FBI's request to Apple to open the phones.

http://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/02/1...ink-it-is/

I personally agree. I don't give a shit about the privacy of terrorists. I personally know a guy who flies surveillance aircraft for the FBI. Everyone is wailing about how they're using it to read our texts but its nothing further from the truth. They use the aircraft for video surveillance of suspected criminals. They also use technology to monitor cell phone locations of terrorists. None of the cell phone data is admissible in court, its only use to track these fuckers.

Post: #15

As much as I worry about the government prying into our everyday lives - Apple can't unlock this one iPhone ?

I find that hard to believe, the fact the FBI can't open this is a bit hilarious and questionable.

Post: #16

(02-17-2016 12:38 PM)RIslander Wrote:  Trump supports the FBI's request to Apple to open the phones.

http://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/02/1...ink-it-is/

I personally agree. I don't give a shit about the privacy of terrorists. I personally know a guy who flies surveillance aircraft for the FBI. Everyone is wailing about how they're using it to read our texts but its nothing further from the truth. They use the aircraft for video surveillance of suspected criminals. They also use technology to monitor cell phone locations of terrorists. None of the cell phone data is admissible in court, its only use to track these fuckers.

I disagree. Mass surveillance is about intimidating enemies of the state. I can give some examples.

• The government knows you're going to a protest before you arrive, and are arrested, kettled or water cannoned as soon as you get there.
• You look at drug websites then your post has little tiny cuts on them.
• You read RVF and then end up on a government watch list.
• Jacob Appelbaum, Tor programmer being intimidated by the government
• Glenn Greenwald having his laptop seized at the airport when he tries to leave the country
• You make a joke about women or homosexuals then you get arrested.
• You look at tax and investment websites, then your bank account sends all your personal data and entire purchase history from when you opened the account, to a credit report company which profits off personal information and sells it to other companies. (Barclays wanted to do this to me but I refused.)
  

ISIS and terrorists don't use western communications anyway. I don't know why anyone thinks they do.

Post: #17

(02-17-2016 10:26 AM)Requiem Wrote:  Might just be PR when the backdoor has already been built in for years. Would certainly surprise me if it wasn't. I always assumed it.

I agree, it's all smoke and mirrors. The NSA has had root access to iphones for years.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-02-17...ing-iphone

As we further showed earlier, it would appear that both sides of the argument are merely padding on theatrics to an issue that has long ago been resolved in favor of the government. Once again, this is what we reported back in September 2013 in, when the revelations from Edward Snowden's whistleblowing campaign emerged:

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-09-09...y-now-what

The following slide comes from a secret presentation called "Your target isusing a BlackBerry? Now what?" It shows an email from a Mexican government agency which was sent using BlackBerry encryption technology -- and intercepted by the NSA nonetheless.

But the kicker is when, in another secret presentation, the NSA itself mocks Orwell, using a reference from the iconic Apple "1984" advertisement...
... As it says the man who has become "Big Brother" is none other than AAPL's deceased visionary leader Steve Jobs...
... And is so very grateful for Apple's paying client "Zombies" who make its job so much easier

Post: #18

(02-17-2016 12:38 PM)RIslander Wrote:  Trump supports the FBI's request to Apple to open the phones.

http://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/02/1...ink-it-is/

I personally agree. I don't give a shit about the privacy of terrorists. I personally know a guy who flies surveillance aircraft for the FBI. Everyone is wailing about how they're using it to read our texts but its nothing further from the truth. They use the aircraft for video surveillance of suspected criminals. They also use technology to monitor cell phone locations of terrorists. None of the cell phone data is admissible in court, its only use to track these fuckers.

Sure, sure. It's just "terrorists" that they will be spying on... wink wink... That's why all the metadata from calls and texts from millions upon millions of non-"terrorist" Americans has been captured WITHOUT a warrant, and is being housed in the giant Government data center in Utah.

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/41...a-mike-lee

Sorry friends, but the kind of access that the Govt wants to all our data requires a government that can be trusted. If you trust ANY of those idiots - let alone Donald Trump - you are a special snowflake of naivety.

I support Apple in this, and any other company that aids me in keeping my information private.

Post: #19

(02-17-2016 12:38 PM)RIslander Wrote:  Trump supports the FBI's request to Apple to open the phones.

http://www.breitbart.com/video/2016/02/1...ink-it-is/

I personally agree. I don't give a shit about the privacy of terrorists. I personally know a guy who flies surveillance aircraft for the FBI. Everyone is wailing about how they're using it to read our texts but its nothing further from the truth. They use the aircraft for video surveillance of suspected criminals. They also use technology to monitor cell phone locations of terrorists. None of the cell phone data is admissible in court, its only use to track these fuckers.

I don't know how much you bought into the whole "the terrorists are out there to get you"-scheme, but mass-surveillance should be avoided at all costs regardless. Privacy isn't a joking matter and you won't be saved from a bomb because your government can store and look at all your traffic. Surveillance is already out of hand but wanting to increase it even is insane. I'm surprised anybody on this forum is in favor of it.
How many terror-attacks did you have before the Patriot Act? How many terror-attacks do you have now? Why would you think it's necessary to increase surveillance?

And if not for the sake of logic, maybe for the sake of one of your founding fathers: "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Don't let the government scare you into giving up your personal liberties. They exploit your fears. It's the one big issue I see with Trump. He might have good intentions, but I don't think he's aware of the potentially disastrous consequences. He also knows the people are against it, that's why he often uses the euphemism "vigilance". He wants to increase mass-surveillance and that's gonna be a problem. Although I'd assume that Hillary or Cruz would do the same, so it's really not an argument against him.

Post: #20

(02-17-2016 12:57 PM)DamienCasanova Wrote:  ... As it says the man who has become "Big Brother" is none other than AAPL's deceased visionary leader Steve Jobs...
... And is so very grateful for Apple's paying client "Zombies" who make its job so much easier

Although Microsoft isn't any better, so the company doesn't really matter. But yes, customers are too frivolous.

Post: #21

I have had a post-it note over my Mac webcam for years. At least when my fab sessions get leaked they will be audio only.

Except for the few times it has fallen off moving the laptop.

Post: #22

Too bad Trump came out in favor of increased surveillance, but you have to take the good with the bad. Electing Trump won't be worse on surveillance than electing any of the other puppets, but at least we might get some action on immigration and trade in the bargain. Wait for the "perfect" candidate and you'll drop dead first.

Post: #23

Apple is richer than the Treasury. Let's see if they're more powerful than the government. For the sake of our freedom, safety, and privacy I hope so.

Post: #24

FBI: Hey Apple can we have help for this ?

Apple: Yeah sure, here's what we got -gives information-

FBI: Dude, this isn't enough, we need you to make a backdoor and a new iOS

Apple: Nah man, not cool, can't help you with that, slippery slope.

FBI: Alright, well fine then, here's a court order.

Apple:

Meanwhile at Apple headquarters:

Post: #25

(02-17-2016 12:38 PM)RIslander Wrote:  I don't give a shit about the privacy of terrorists.

"First they came for the communists..."