Called Out

By now, the details of Apple's fight with the FBI are well known: the FBI wants access to an iPhone belonging to the deceased terrorism suspect Syed Farook, who was involved in the San Bernardino, California attack. Farook's iPhone is encrypted, so the FBI wants Apple to issue a tailored software update that would allow it to bypass the encryption. Apple has refused to write special software that would eliminate its security protections.

For both sides, the stakes are high. There is no real middle ground. Apple might be willing to cooperate with the FBI to solve some terrorism cases. But if Apple did offer its help, the FBI and law enforcement authorities would surely be tempted to take advantage, expanding the areas on which they seek collaboration.

"Called Out" is from foreignaffairs.com, published on March 7, 2016.

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