Microsoft has come out in support of the Apple in its fight against FBI related to unlocking of an encrypted iPhone that belonged to one of the terrorists. Microsoft has joined with a number of other leading technology companies to file a legal brief in support of Apple. The debate between Privacy and Security will keep going on and while Apple’s refusal may not face an action from American government, France has decided to penalize Apple for every smartphone it decides to unlock.
According to the Microsoft:
While the companies that signed this brief are often fierce competitors, our unity with Amazon.com, Box, Cisco, Dropbox, Evernote, Facebook, Google, Mozilla, Nest Labs, Pinterest, Slack, Snapchat, WhatsApp and Yahoo, reflects our deep, shared concerns about the potential ramifications of this case for technology and for our customers. At stake are fundamental questions about privacy, safety, and the rule of law.
Microsoft also said:
To be clear, we have the deepest respect for the work that law enforcement does to investigate crimes and keep people safe. We believe that our company and our industry have not only a role but a responsibility to help keep the public safe, in accordance with the law. We take this responsibility seriously and I’ve previously highlighted examples of how Microsoft has acted quickly to respond to legal requests from law enforcement authorities – for example, when French police were pursuing fugitives following the terrible terrorist attacks in Paris last year.
Microsoft also express concern over privacy and security, here is statement:
“We’ve reached a critical moment in which a new generation of mobile and cloud-based technologies have far outrun the laws that protect our safety and preserve our timeless and fundamental rights. By standing with Apple, we’re standing up for customers who depend on us to keep their most private information safe and secure.”
