Apple's "Backdoor" Controversy Explained in 5 Minutes

The US Government demands Apple to create a "backdoor" to bypass the security features of a certain iPhone.

This is in connection to the unsolved case of San Bernardino shooting incident last Dec 2015.

The recovered iPhone, believed to be owned by the suspect, is the missing piece that if accessed, could significantly help the FBI to solve the puzzle.

Smartphones, in general, are encrypted with a passcode (or password) to avoid unofficial access without the owner's permission.

Because of encryption, FBI could not access the suspect's iPhone by all means. Hence they escalated the issue and asked the assistance of Apple to create a software that when installed, could unlock the device easily.

Decryption Debate Goes On

In Feb 16, 2016, Tim Cook wrote a letter to Apple customers about his opinion and the decision of not granting US Government's demand. The reason is simple - Privacy of customers' information.

The US Government, however, stands firm that they would only use the software on that single iPhone.

Risks of "Backdoor" Request

Tim Cook doesn't believe in US Government's promise on the exclusive use of software. In his statement,

In the wrong hands, this software — which does not exist today — would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone’s physical possession

Digital information can spread like a virus. One single mistake and it would lead to a devastating effect.

This could happen to the proposed software. Nothing is safe.

Before Game of Thrones released Season 4 on TV there were pirated copies already leaked online.

Prior to X-Men's opening in cinemas there was a leak of unfinished copy of the movie.

Wait for another scandal to happen but there's only way to avoid this - encryption.

To illustrate, these are some of the worst things that could happen.

1. You would wake up one day with a staggering credit card debt of $100,000. Someone has used your credit card information on unauthorized purchases.

2. You will be surprised to see your most embarrassing photo in 9Gag with a meme on it. It hit to 900 million views in 24 hours.

3. Someone saw your iBooks filled with your seduction books collection. He tweeted, "I never thought my friend is a pervert. Saw his bundle of seduction books. He's a priest, you know."

Conclusion

I condemn terrorism and stand for peace. But I support Apple's decision.

Everyone has the right to privacy. We have the right to protect our information.

In a world where (almost) no information is safe, there is only one hope and that is through rigid and strict encryption.

And I believe we should be entitled to that.

What is your opinion on this?