Family of murdered soldier object to Apple’s fight against FBI

By

iphone run better
Does Apple's pro-privacy stance pose a risk to people's lives?
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

Big tech companies might be supporting Apple’s pro-privacy stance when it comes to creating a backdoor for the iPhone, but not everyone is in complete agreement.

Specifically, the family of British soldier Lee Rigby — who was murdered by Islamic extremists in 2013 — has spoken out about Apple’s decision to refuse a court order to break into the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone. Rigby’s family says Apple’s stance is “protecting a murderer’s privacy at the cost of public safety.”

Speaking with the BBC, Rigby’s uncle, Ray McClure, claimed that Apple is being, “short-sighted.” He continued:

“I would hate to see on the streets of London another murder like happened to Lee Rigby, I’d hate to see another attack like happened in Paris. How many victims of crime are not getting justice because of Apple’s stance?”

As much as I support Apple’s position on user privacy, there’s no doubt this is a complex (and enormously emotive) issue. McClure himself argues that, “I’m not saying take encryption off the iPhone, but there has to be a balance.”

The question is what that balance might be — and whether Apple should be pressured into allowing the possible threat of terrorism to push it into helping set a precedent for the erosion of user privacy.

Via: CNet

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.