The DOJ Threatens to Seize Apple’s Crown Jewels

Philip Elmer-DeWitt:

Did you catch that? That’s a classic police threat: We can do this easy way or the hard way. Give us the little thing we’re asking for — a way to bypass your security software — or we’ll take whole thing: Your crown jewels and the royal seal too.

With Apple’s source code, the FBI could, in theory, create its own version of iOS with the security features stripped out. Stamped with Apple’s electronic signature, the Bureau’s versions of iOS could pass for the real thing.

Keep in mind that no one is saying that Apple has broken the law. The DOJ is attempting to intimidate them simply for making iPhones more secure.

★ Friday, 11 March 2016